The Flag is Out

Today was Veteran's Day in the United States. Tomorrow, the federal government will mark the day by being closed for the day. Stores everywhere will proclaim their Veteran's Day sales. And it marks the day that you can now discuss Christmas plans with Mrs. Brave Astronaut. But wherever you are, I hope you took a moment to remember and say thank you to those who have kept this nation free and safe.

Here from the Center for Military History is a history of Veteran's Day, originally known as Armistice Day.

1918
World War I ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities—in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.

November 11, 1919
President Woodrow Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day 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 the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.

1920
On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.

1921
Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony. According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.

1926
Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.

May 13, 1938
Congress passes legislation making November 11 a legal Federal holiday, Armistice Day.

June 1, 1954
President Dwight Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day.

1968
Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law took effect in 1971.

1975
Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. The law took effect in 1978.