Today we honor the courageous individuals who have served and are still serving, recognizing their selfless sacrifices.
The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28th, 1919, marked the official end of World War I, although the fighting had stopped approximately seven months earlier with the armistice between the Allies and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
This significant historical event led to the recognition of November 11, 1918, as the conclusion of "the war to end all wars," known as Armistice Day. In 1926, Congress formally acknowledged this date as the war's end and, in 1938, established it as a holiday to honor World War I veterans.
In response to advocacy by veterans' service organizations and in light of World War II and the Korean War, Congress, on June 1, 1954, altered the commemoration. The term "armistice" was changed to "veterans" to broaden recognition to American veterans of all conflicts.
Veterans Day serves as a tribute to the steadfast dedication and sacrifices of all the courageous men and women who have served, and are currently serving, our nation. We pay homage to them for their service in defense of our country.
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