A bit more than a month ago, Veterans’ Day took place. Most people see it as a break from work and a day to relax, which honestly makes sense. However, it is also extremely important to pay homage to the true reason this national holiday exists.
It is common knowledge that every November 11, people take time to pay respect to the veterans who served in the U.S. military. However, many don’t actually know why we even recognize this day. To understand this, we have to trace back to the 1910s, when World War I dominated global headlines. As the war eventually came to a close, Germany and the USA signed an armistice (basically a temporary halting of doing anything to each other with malicious intent) on November 11. Fun fact: the armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of November (the 11th month) of 1919. The U.S. government initially decided to recognize this day as Armistice Day to signify the end of World War I. However, as you know, there was also a second World War and the Korean War that followed closely. After this, the US government decided to adjust the name of Armistice Day to Veterans’ Day. In this manner, veterans, from both the World Wars as well as future ones, of the U.S. Army would be honored.
This holiday is certainly more underappreciated when compared to holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, and the only reason many people remotely even care about Veterans’ Day is because of the one day off they get from school or work. Regardless, Veterans’ Day is an important part of American culture. It reminds those attentive enough around America, as well as the world, to observe the impact that the U.S. military has on its liberty. Without it, it is rather obvious that we would not be in the same position that we are in today.
Veterans’ Day might seem like just another day to some people, but it is important to understand that others might be mourning the loss of family members who were part of the armed forces. As a result, it is highly recommended that one treats this day with both respect and compassion, as the country you live in might have been safeguarded by another person’s family member. Some ways to contribute to this day are by making cards, participating in donations and charity fundraisers, and going to a veteran you know and thanking them for their service. It might seem like a small action to you, but it could mean the world to them. In conclusion, Veterans’ Day is a momentous day that not many people celebrate, but that is also an integral part of American history and culture.
Sources:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Veteran’s Day – November 11.” NWCG, 22 October 2025, https://www.nwcg.gov/6mfs/day-in-history/veterans-day-november-11. Accessed 21 November 2025.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial. “The Origins of Veterans Day.” National WWI Museum, https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/about-wwi/origins-veterans-day. Accessed 21 November 2025.
