Veterans Day

Our nation sets aside two days to honor those who have served in the military.

Veterans Day

November 11

Memorial Day

Fourth Monday in May

World War IJune 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife Sophia assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia. This sparks World War I

World War I

First war where all sides are equipped with modern magazine rifles, machine guns, big gun battleships, airplanes. Nearly 40,000,000 casualties.

Alvin C. York

A poor farmer from Tennessee, and a conscientious objector, becomes America’s greatest hero. Single handedly captures 132 Germans on October 8, 1918. Awarded the highest military honors from France, Great Britain, and the United States.

Armistice

The Great War ends at 11:00 am , November 11, 1918. That is the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Armistice Day

November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaims this date is to honor those who have served in the military. In 1926 Congress passes a resolution.

Veterans DayJune 1, 1954, Armistice Day is changed to Veterans Day.

Uniform Holiday ActIn 1968, date is changed to the fourth Monday in October. Veterans

groups protest. Date is changed back to November 11 in 1978.

Veterans Day CeremoniesAcross the nation at cemeteries, memorial parks, tributes will be held for those who are serving, formerly served, and those who

have served and are no longer living.

Veterans Day Ceremonies

To commemorate the end of World War I, Veterans Day ceremonies traditionally will begin at 11:00 am local time.

Miller VeteransMrs. Boyce Mr. Tageant

Famous Veterans

Audie Murphy John Glenn

Heisman Trophy WinnersNile Kinnick Roger Stabauch

Athletes

Joe DiMaggio Ted Williams

African AmericansJoe Louis David Robinson

ActorsCharles Durning Wes Studi

PresidentsHarry Truman John F. Kennedy

PresidentsDwight D. Eisenhower Gerald R. Ford

The King

State HolidayNovember 11 is also a state holiday. On this date in 1889,

Washington was admitted to the union as the 42nd state.

What Should You Do?

• At some point you should find out who from your family has served. You should also pause and reflect on the true meaning of the day.

• Thank you, and thanks to those who serve and have served.