Veterans Day
Photo by Army Sgt. Yesenia Barajas / U.S. Department of Defense
Service members assigned to a Defense Department medical response team wave to a large crowd as they march in the Veterans Day Parade in Wenatchee, Washington, November 11, 2021. Community members cheered and thanked the veterans for their patriotism and medical support.
Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day marks the armistice signed between the allies of World War I and Germany to end the war, which took effect at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.
On May 13, 1938, the U.S. Congress made November 11 an annual legal holiday – a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor Veterans of World War I.
In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the nation’s history, and after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
Cultural Significance
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. This preserves the historical significance of the date, and helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day, a day to honor those who have served in the American military. It is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Unlike Memorial Day (which is a somber day to remember those who died in service), a happy Veterans Day and thank you for your service can appropriately be wished to those who served.
For veterans, serving in the military meant pushing past their own physical and mental limits in order to defeat the enemy. Many African American veterans were fighting two wars, the battles abroad and the battle to break through the racial bias and discriminatory limits placed upon them by society. Whether they fought stateside or overseas, in integrated or segregated units, or during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam, the African American veterans persisted past prejudice to serve their country with honor. Upon returning to the United States, they were faced with persistent discrimination and injustice, unable to secure decent jobs, housing or educational opportunities.
Implications for Ending Racism
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has developed a wide range of programs in support of advancing racial justice for veterans who are minorities. The term "Veterans who are minorities" means veterans who are identified as African Americans, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Native American/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has established a Minority Veterans Program to increase the awareness of the issues faced by minority veterans and develop strategies to encourage minority veterans to participate in VA benefit programs. As a minority servicemember or veteran, individuals may qualify for a wide range of benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.