veterans day history

In 1921, an American Solider- his name "known but to God"- was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington. The Arlington National Cemetery burial site of this unknown World War I solider became the personification of dignity and reverence for America's veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France where an "unknown solider" was buried in each nations highest place of honor. (in England, Westminster Abbey, in France, the Arc de Tricomphe)

This memorial gesture took place in November 11^th, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month).The day became known as "Armistice Day"

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.

President Eisenhower, in 1954, signed the bill proclaiming November 11^th as Veterans Day, and he called for Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.

A law passed in 1968 changed national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11^th was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of citizens. Congress, therefore, enacted legislation (public law 94-97) which returned the observance of this special day to its traditional date beginning in 1978.