Veterans Day: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Patriotism

Each year on November 11, Americans pause to honor and thank the veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, this observance began in 1919 to mark the end of World War I, a ceasefire that took effect on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”

Veterans Day has since evolved into a national holiday dedicated to recognizing the bravery, service, and sacrifice of all U.S. military veterans—living or deceased—who have served during times of war or peace.

The History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918, even though the formal treaty (Treaty of Versailles) was signed months later in June 1919.

• In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to recognize November 11 as a day of observance.

• By 1938, it was officially designated as a national holiday.

• Following pressure from veterans’ organizations and the end of both World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the law in 1954, officially renaming it Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.

• In 1971, a temporary change moved the holiday to the fourth Monday in October, but it was widely unpopular.

• In 1978, President Gerald Ford signed legislation restoring the observance to its historical date of November 11, where it remains today.

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day:

• Veterans Day celebrates all U.S. military veterans, especially those still living.

• Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military or from wounds sustained in combat.

Both are deeply meaningful holidays, but they serve distinct purposes in the national consciousness.

How the U.S. and the World Celebrate Veterans Day

In the United States

Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on November 11. If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government may observe it on the preceding Friday or following Monday.

Celebrations include:

• Parades

• Ceremonies at war memorials

• Speeches and wreath-laying events

• Discounts and free meals at restaurants and stores, including from businesses like Mother Earth Products, which honor veterans and their families.

In 2001, the Senate passed Resolution 143, establishing National Veterans Awareness Week (November 11–17) to educate students about veterans’ contributions.

In Other Countries

Many other countries also honor their veterans around November 11:

• France and Belgium celebrate Armistice Day.

• Canada and Australia observe Remembrance Day.

• Britain holds Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday of November.

• In many countries, including the U.K., people observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11—even if it's not a public holiday.

Veterans by the Numbers: Who Are America’s Heroes?

As of 2018:

• Over 18.2 million veterans were living in the U.S.

• About 9% of them are women.

• More than 7 million served in the Persian Gulf War.

• 2 million served in the Korean War.

• 496,777 of the 16 million who served in World War II were still alive.

• The states with the highest percentage of veterans include Alaska, Maine, and Montana.

• Connecticut had the highest proportion of WWII veterans.

Veterans come from all walks of life, economic backgrounds, and regions, united by their shared commitment to protect and serve.

Final Thoughts: Why Veterans Day Matters

Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a time for national reflection, gratitude, and recognition. These men and women have selflessly served their country, and honoring them with our time, words, and actions is the least we can do.

Whether you're attending a parade, supporting a veteran-owned business, or simply thanking a veteran in your life, your actions help preserve the meaning behind this important holiday.

At Mother Earth Products, we proudly stand with veterans and their families. This Veterans Day, we extend our appreciation through special offers, discounts, and heartfelt thanks to those who have served.

References

1. Military.com – History of Veterans Day

2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Day History

3. History.com – Veterans Day Facts

4. Wikipedia – Veterans Day

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