VOL. XVII, NO. 4
NOVEMBER 7, 1975
Why Do We Celebrate Veteran's Day?
By DAVE JOHNSON
Maine West students will not attend classes this coming Tuesday, and many of them really don't know why. Of course, they will know it's Veteran's Day, but will they know the reason we commemorate it?
Veteran's Day is a national holiday set aside to remember all American soldiers killed in action since the Civil War. The history of Veteran's Day began Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, when the armistice was signed, putting a halt to the fighting of the first world war.
This day was then called Armistice Day. When the news of peace reached the United States at 3 am. New York time, wild celebrations were initiated across the country.
One year later on Nov. 11, 1919, the peace signing was remembered mournfully for all the U.S. soldiers killed in that war.
On May 15, 1938, Armistice Day was declared a national holiday. Fifteen years later, on Nov. 11, 1953, in Emporia, Kansas, a movement began which would change the holiday's name to Veteran's Day in memory of all soldiers killed since the Civil War; and on June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the change into law, and the holiday became Veteran's Day.
Maine West students will not attend classes this coming Tuesday, and many of them really don't know why. Of course, they will know it's Veteran's Day, but will they know the reason we commemorate it?
Veteran's Day is a national holiday set aside to remember all American soldiers killed in action since the Civil War. The history of Veteran's Day began Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, when the armistice was signed, putting a halt to the fighting of the first world war.
This day was then called Armistice Day. When the news of peace reached the United States at 3 am. New York time, wild celebrations were initiated across the country.
One year later on Nov. 11, 1919, the peace signing was remembered mournfully for all the U.S. soldiers killed in that war.
On May 15, 1938, Armistice Day was declared a national holiday. Fifteen years later, on Nov. 11, 1953, in Emporia, Kansas, a movement began which would change the holiday's name to Veteran's Day in memory of all soldiers killed since the Civil War; and on June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the change into law, and the holiday became Veteran's Day.
The Sunday nearest Veteran's Day is called World Peace Sunday, which churches recognize and try to promote in the interest of world peace.
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 people all across the country should stand in silence for two minutes, facing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C., in memory of those men who gave their lives for the United States. On the federal observance of Veteran's Day, the President lays a wreath at the tomb.
Over the past 10 or so years, the memory of these soldiers has been forgotten; and not many people stand in silence or know what the holiday means anymore. The government doesn't seem to know what this holiday stands for either, as they have changed the date to the fourth Monday in October just so people can have a three‑day weekend.
Last year, however, Illinois decided to stick with tradition and moved Veteran's Day back to the original Nov. 11.
If American heritage is to be remembered and preserved, especially in this Bicentennial year, citizens of the United States should recognize these holidays for what they stand for and not just a day off work or school.
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 people all across the country should stand in silence for two minutes, facing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C., in memory of those men who gave their lives for the United States. On the federal observance of Veteran's Day, the President lays a wreath at the tomb.
Over the past 10 or so years, the memory of these soldiers has been forgotten; and not many people stand in silence or know what the holiday means anymore. The government doesn't seem to know what this holiday stands for either, as they have changed the date to the fourth Monday in October just so people can have a three‑day weekend.
Last year, however, Illinois decided to stick with tradition and moved Veteran's Day back to the original Nov. 11.
If American heritage is to be remembered and preserved, especially in this Bicentennial year, citizens of the United States should recognize these holidays for what they stand for and not just a day off work or school.
