Veterans Day means that students get another day off of school. But to most, that’s all it means. Many forget that the true purpose of that day off is to celebrate those who have fought and died for our country.
Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11. The idea came about after the end of World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson declared that there should be a holiday to commemorate that day, called Armistice Day.
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those tho died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” Wilson said.
The day was supposed to be celebrated with parades and a break from work beginning at 11 a.m., traditions which are continued today.
Originally, Armistice Day was set aside for people to remember those who had served in World War I, but after the Second World War “Armistice” was replaced with “Veterans” in order to commemorate the soldiers who served during World War II. Over the years, the meaning of Veterans Day has expanded to include those who fought in Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and every war in which the United States had taken part.
This day holds historical significance. It is used as a day of remembrance as many families visit the graves of their loved ones, some of whom were lost too soon. It is also a day to remember those who have served, who want to serve and those who are serving our country and keeping us safe.
By: Ellie Papadakis