Every year on Nov. 11, Americans take a moment to honor and remember those who have graciously and honorably offered up their time and lives to defend our country, our people, and our ways of life. Veterans Day is a moment when, for one day each year, to thank the people who served in our nation’s military, no matter when their service was or what branch they were a part of.
The idea of a day to honor the veterans came in 1938, when the government declared Nov. 11 as Armistice Day. Originally, it was created to honor the veterans of World War I, which officially ended on Nov. 11, 1918. After World War II and other conflicts, however, it was officially declared Veterans Day in 1954.
In 1968, the government passed a bill moving Veterans Day to October so that it could be made a three-day weekend, like Columbus Day, Memorial Day, and Washington’s Birthday. Americans did not take to this change, so in 1978 the government again returned the holiday to Nov. 11. More recent developments involve the creation of National Veterans Awareness Week, in accordance with U.S. Senate Resolution 507, in order to provide greater opportunity to inform the nation about the Veterans actions. This year, the week of Nov. 5 is National Veterans Awareness Week.
It isn’t only the United States that sets aside this special day to recognize individuals who have served in our country’s military. Canada and Australia observe this day, and Great Britain the Sunday after this day, as a moment to honor and remember people who have served their country. Although each celebrates the holiday in different ways and under the name Remembrance Day, it still carries connotations very similar to America’s Veterans Day.
For those looking to attend events on Veterans Day in the Chicago area honoring veterans, the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. is having a day-long celebration with free admission, four new exhibits, book signings, and talks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A program is also being held by the City of Chicago at Soldier Field starting at 11 a.m. More information for which can be found by calling 312.744.3315. In addition, the U.S. government veterans homepage offers a wide selection of information, from teaching guides for educators to a list of events happening around the country.
For more information, visit http://www.nvvam.org, http://www.va.gov, or www.cityofchicago.org.
source: www.va.gov