Durham Appreciates Our Veterans

Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11 in the United States, honors military veterans who have served in the armed forces. The origins of Veterans Day date back to the end of World War I, which concluded with an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany. The armistice took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, symbolizing the end of “the war to end all wars.” As a result, Nov. 11 became a day to remember the peace that was hoped to endure.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first Armistice Day to reflect on the heroism of those who died in the service of their country. Over the next few decades, many states made Armistice Day a legal holiday, and it became a federal holiday in 1938. The focus at that time was largely on honoring World War I veterans.

However, with the outbreak of World War II and later the Korean War, the need grew to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, broadening the recognition to include all American veterans of all wars. This shift reflected a more inclusive acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women across multiple conflicts.

Unlike Memorial Day, which is dedicated to honoring those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all U.S. veterans, living and deceased. Today, ceremonies, parades, and educational events across the nation honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of veterans from all branches of the military, fostering a sense of national gratitude for their service in preserving peace and freedom.