Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans. Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action.

On November 11, 1918, at 11 AM, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Armistice was signed which ended the first World War. Thereafter, November 11 was celebrated as Armistice Day, with Congress making the date a federal holiday in 1938. After World War II, the date became known as Veterans Day, a change recognized by Congress in 1954, declaring it a day to honor all American veterans of all wars. In 1971, Veterans Day became a holiday celebrated on the fourth Monday in October, but it was returned to its original date, November 11, on 1977.

Last Friday, the Van Wert High School students celebrated an early Veterans Day. An assembly took place, letters were read, dancers performed, singers and instrument players played, and skits were performed. Many veterans showed up and really appreciated all that was done in honor of them.
 

Last Updated: April 07, 2008
By: Emily Banks