How It Came About...A Brief History
Veterans Day, honoring military veterans is an annual holiday. It is not only a federal holiday; it is recognized and celebrated by every state. It is usually celebrated on November 11th. In other parts of the world it is also celebrated, but called Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.
It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, by Germany, that ended World War I. The major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
It was first celebrated on November 11th in 1919, with a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson.
However, it was Al King, a shop owner in Emporia, Kansas and active member of the WW II American War Dads, and the local Chamber of Commerce that kicked it up a notch. They had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. They campaigned to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day.
The Chamber took up the cause after it found that 90% of the merchants and the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11th 1953 to honor veterans. With the help of local representatives in Washington, a bill to celebrate a national the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26th 1954.
The Act was amended by Congress later that year replacing ‘Armistice’ with Veterans and it has been known by Veterans Day since.
So take a moment tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11th to remember those who have served, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and those still serving. There are several events here at the Jersey Shore honoring veterans, find them here.
Keller Williams
Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
Waretown Homes, Barnegat Homes, Manahawkin Homes, Eagleswood Homes, Long Beach Island Homes, Little Egg Harbor Homes, Tuckerton Homes and homes in northern Atlantic County!
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