Every country has its various national days to celebrate. These days always have a significant value for the whole nation. The United States of America also celebrates different national days throughout the year. There are multiple days celebrated in The USA to acknowledge the sacrifices of the armistice soldiers.
Veterans Day that is often known as Armistice Day is also one of these days that is celebrated every year on November 11. There is a national holiday on this day in the USA.
History
Veterans Day is celebrated to pay tribute to the soldiers of the great American army who fought for the country and came back alive. It was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, on the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
In the beginning, it was called “Armistice Day” as President Wilson showed his solidarity with the soldiers returned alive from the battlefield with the following words,
“To us, in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”
The United States Congress tabled a resolution in 1926 in which they requested President Calvin Coolidge to declare November 11 as the annual Veterans Day to remember the bravery of the countrymen who fought for the freedom and protection of the. country.
In 1938, November 11 was declared the legal holiday as Congress approved an act about this day. However, before 1954, it was celebrated as Armistice Day, but then Congress made an amendment in the bill, and “Armistice” was replaced with “Veterans”. The day has been known as Veterans Day since June 1, 1954.
Observance
Veterans Day is celebrated in the whole USA with great spirit and sensation. Most of the schools, colleges, offices, and businesses are closed on the day.
The institutes that remain open on this day are those who choose to celebrate this day with special activities. They arrange some special and unique assemblies or other activities to pay solidarity with those who are still busy in protecting the country, also to pay tribute to those who did this noble job in past.
Special prayers are arranged in churches for the progress of the country as well as for the soldiers at the borders, fighting for the country.
A Parade Is Also Held On This Day In Honor of Veterans of The United States.
As Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, but if it falls on Saturday or Sunday, then the government offices and schools follow a different pattern.
If the 11th of November comes on Saturday, then Friday is supposed to be a holiday, and if it falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday. If Veterans Day falls on a working day, many states celebrate it on the weekend so that most of the people can attend this day.
Even it is a national holiday, but the private sector is not forced to do a holiday on this day. The private sector is on their own, whether they want to close or not.
People wish each other on this day by sending messages, cards, or post on their social media accounts. They also use Veterans Day Quotes to wish someone. The day is celebrated in full swing every year.
National days are very necessary for every nation and country. They make them feel proud and keep them motivated to do some extraordinary deeds for their country. These days are the symbols of unity of the nation.