Veterans’ Day Date: November 11, 2009
Veterans’ Day is celebrated in the United States.
As the name suggests, Veterans’ Day is an annual holiday celebrated throughout the United States of America in order to acknowledge the contribution made by their military veterans. The Veterans’ Day is intended to thank veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. If at all, it so happens that the Veterans’ Day happens to fall on a Sunday, then the following Monday is declared as a public holiday. This is considered to be one of the most important holidays in America.
Veterans’ Day History
The World War I ended at 11 am on the 11th of November’1918. It is interesting to note that it was the 11th hour in the 11th day of the 11th month. Naturally, the end of the war came as a sigh of relief to the participating nations. And since the credit for the war went wholly to the brave military men, the credit was extended to all the soldiers, living and dead, who willingly laid their lives in order to protect America.
Originally, Veterans’ Day was proclaimed to be Armistice Day by the then president of America, Woodrow Wilson because the armistice marking the end of the World War I was signed on this day. The holiday of Veterans’ Day is a salute to all the Army, Navy and Air Force officers of America. It is the nation’s way of telling its brave hearts that their sacrifices are deeply valued and appreciated by the entire country. The Veterans’ Day Celebrations – “Honoring Those Who Served”.
Veterans’ Day Traditions and Activities
The sole purpose behind the celebration of Veterans’ Day is to express gratitude towards all the men and women, who have and are serving America in war and in peace. The main ideology of Veterans Day was holding parades and meetings highlighting the contribution of the military forces in the development and well-being of the nation.
In 1926, a resolution was passed, which stated that the flag of the United States of America to be displayed on all government building roofs. It also mentioned that the citizens should celebrate this day in their schools, universities and churches in their own small way. They should pay their respects to their soldier countrymen. You will find people walking along the streets holding flags and chanting slogans in appreciation of the forces. Also, there are flag hoisting programs, music concerts, poster competitions and other children’s activities like essay contests and poem recitals on the day.
Veterans Day celebrations in other parts of the world
In the commonwealth countries, Veterans Day is referred to as Remembrance Day. In Australia, Remembrance Day is not considered as a public holiday. However, special services are held at 11 am at all the schools, universities and governments offices. One minute of silence is also observed to pay tribute to the martyrs.
In Canada, this day is a public holiday in most of the places barring a few. Here, national ceremonies are executed by the Prime Minister, members of the Royal family and the Governor General.
South Africa maintains a silence of two minutes to acknowledge the arrival of Veterans Day or Poppy Day as the day is called by the people of South Africa.
The United Kingdom also shuts all the activity on November’s second Sunday to pay homage to its warriors. The White Hall in the centre of London witnesses a commemoration that is attended by the British Royal Family.
Outside the commonwealth countries, Veterans’ Day is celebrated in places like France, Germany, Italy and Ireland in their own distinctive manner. All of the above countries take opportunity on this one day to appreciate the efforts and commemorate the sacrifices made by their military forces.
Veterans’ Day is also known as:
- Veterans Day
- Armistice Day
