The History of Veterans Day

  • End of World War I

    The ceasefire was signed at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.
  • Veterans Day Established

    Veterans Day Established
    On the one year anniversary of the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as the first commeration of Armistice Day. Parades and a brief suspension of work at 11 a.m. were planned.
  • Veterans Day becomes Legal Holiday

    Veterans Day becomes Legal Holiday
    Congress passed an act that established November 11 as Armistic Day and as a legal holiday each year as a day dedicated to the cause of world peace.
  • End of World War II

  • The Holiday Changes Names

    The Holiday Changes Names
    After WWII and the Korean Conflict, veterans organizations suceeded in lobbying Congress to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day.