Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?

In the United States of America, we celebrate Veterans Day to remember and honor all the veterans, who served and even sacrificed their lives for the pride and dignity of the nation.

The day is dedicated to all the veterans of the United States armed forces (land, air, and sea).

Earlier, the day was called “Armistice Day”, primarily dedicated to the veterans of World War I.

However, in 1954, during the administration of Dwight D Eisenhower, the US Congress decided to change the name to Veterans Day.

Since then, it has been covering all the veterans of the US armed forces.

[Did You Know? In 1945, Raymond Weeks, A World War 2 Veteran First Raised The Idea To Observe The Day To Honor All The Veterans of The US Armed Forces, Not Only World War I Veterans]

Is Veterans Day The Same As Armistice Day?

Yes, Veterans Day is observed on the same day as Armistice Day. The date is 11th November each year.

Actually, the 11th of November 1918 was the date, when Germany surrendered World War I to the allies, primarily Great Britain, France, and the United States.

A year after, allied nations decided to celebrate their victory on the 11th of November 1919, which they named Armistice Day.

However, a few years after World War 2, in 1954, the United States Congress made some changes and renamed it Veterans Day. The date remained unchanged.

[Did You Know? Armistice Day Became A Legal Holiday In The USA In 1938]

Is Veterans Day A Paid Holiday?

Yes, it is. Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the USA; therefore, all federal government workers get paid for the holiday.

However, some workers are required to work under any circumstances, even on the holiday. They usually get extra payment for the holiday work in addition to their wages.

Is Veterans Day A Mail Holiday?

Yes, it is a mail holiday too.