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Politics & Government

Five Things You Need to Know About Veteran's Day

With incredible historical significance, this day lives on forever in the hearts of all Americans

You already know that Veteran's Day is a day to honor and celebrate all of the dedicated men and women, past and present, who have served in the United States military forces in times of war.

Do you know how the holiday started, or that it originally had a different name, or that the date has changed several times since it was first established? 

Here's the information you need to know, and you'll be thinking about it all day:

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1. You need to know that World War I ended in 1918 with an armistice between the Allies and Germany at the 11th hour of the 11th day of November. The armistice was temporary until the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. The original concept was suspension of business for two minutes at 11 a.m., and a day marked by parades and public meetings.  

2. You need to know that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in Arlington National Cemetery in 1921. A ceremony was held on November 11 of that year, and Congress declared the day a Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. In 1938, Congress passed legislation making November 11 a legal Federal holiday called Armistice Day. 

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3. You need to know that in 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law establishing the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran's Day. The new law took effect in 1971

4. You need to know that in 1971, all states followed the new law except Mississippi and South Dakota. However, beginning in 1972, 25 more states changed their observances back to November 11. In 1975, based on popular support, the holiday was officially changed to November 11, to take effect in 1978  

5. You need to know that Veteran's Day is usually observed on November 11. However, if it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is designated as a holiday. 

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