How Did Veterans Day Come About?

November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.' As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became Veterans Day, a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

And so with this, if you are in Washington, DC, or live in the Washington, DC metro area, there are many opportunities to pay tribute to our men and women in the Armed Forces - past, present, and future. With the many events taking place at the national monuments and memorials, it is a great time to tour them as well.

Don't live in the Washington, DC area or want more information? The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has a listing of regional Veterans Day events across the Country.

World War II Memorial

Located at 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW Washington, DC. (202) 619-7222. A wreath laying ceremonies begins at 8 a.m.

Arlington National Cemetery

Across the Potomac from Washington at the west end of the Memorial Bridge, Arlington, Virginia. (703) 607-8000 This is the national Veterans day service with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 11 a.m. Seating in the amphitheater is limited, so visitors should plan to arrive at least a half hour before the ceremony.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Located at Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, DC. The event features Color guard, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 1p.m.

Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

Special activities include a patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus at 11 a.m., at 2 p.m. wreathlaying at the tomb of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, and "Martha Washington" talking about her work with veterans at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Little Theater.

Active duty military personnel and veterans are admitted free-of-charge. The wreathlaying is included with regular Mount Vernon admission, $13 for adults and $6 children. The barbershop concert and Martha Washington program are free.

Source for events and times: District of Columbia Office of Veterans Affairs