The United States military is rife with history, tradition and ceremony. Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the honor of all prior service members who devoted a part of their lives to our country, some sacrificing it all for our freedom.
Although America’s first war requiring an assembly of military members was the American Revolutionary War from 1775 – 1783, it was not until a year after the end of WWI that Armistice Day was proclaimed by President Wilson because a year prior on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month fighting ceased when an armistice between Allied forces and Germany went into effect. It was thought the annual anniversaries would be celebrated with parades, public meetings and a brief closure of businesses at 11:00 on November 11th each year.
On June 4, 1924, the United States Congress passed a resolution including these words:
“Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date (November 11, 1918) should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; …” Twenty-seven states had already made Armistice Day a recognized holiday, which was formalized by the Act of 1938.
Since Armistice Day only honored service members from WWI, recognition of veterans serving in WWII and Korea became an interest. Thus, in 1954, Congress amended the Act of 1938 to change the word Armistice to Veterans to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Lawyers with Purpose and Lawyers for Wartime Veterans thank you for your service and sacrifice to our great nation.
Victoria L. Collier, CELA, Elder Care Attorney, Co-Founder of Lawyers for Wartime Veterans and Lawyers with Purpose, Veteran, author of 47 Secret Veterans Benefits for Seniors and most recent book, Paying for Long Term Care: Financial Help for Wartime Veterans: The VA Aid & Attendance Benefit.
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