Facts About Veterans Day

"Interesting facts about Veterans Day, what is Veterans Day, and when is Veterans Day."

When Is Veterans Day?

It is observed each year on November 11th.

What Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a day to honor America's veterans, all men and women who served honorably in the five branches of the U.S. military during times of both war and peace.

The five branches are the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Veterans Day History
Facts About Veterans' Day

• Veterans Day was first called Armistice Day when it was commemorated in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor the veterans of World War I. The exact date of observance coincides with a halt to hostilities on the 11th hour of the 11th month in 1918.
  
  Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans from ALL wars.
  
  
• Briefly (from 1971 to 1977) Veterans Day was celebrated on the 4th Monday in October in accordance with the Uniform Holidays Bill, designed to give federal employees a 3-day weekend.
  
  
• Veterans' Day is often confused with Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) which is the day to honor fallen soldiers and sailors from all of America's wars.
  
  
• Each branch of the U.S. military has its own official anthem:
• "The Army Goes rolling Along" is the official song of the U.S. Army
• "Anchors Aweigh" is the fight song of the U.S. Naval Academy
• "The Air Force Song" is the official song of the U.S. Air Force
• "Marines' Hymn" is the official hymn of the U.S. Marine Corps
• "Semper Paratus" ("always ready" in Latin) is the official march of the U.S. Coast guard

More Facts About Veterans Day

Traditional Veterans Day celebrations include parades, speeches by dignitaries and celebrities, military exhibits, tributes to distinguished veterans, family activities sponsored by local businesses and veterans' organizations.

The most famous observance, the Veterans Day National Ceremony, begins at 11:00 at Arlington National Cemetery, at the Tomb of the Unknowns. A color guard of representatives from each of the armed services stands during the honors.

Traditionally, the President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb, and a bugler plays "Taps." Political and military dignitaries deliver speeches, and veterans put on a parade of colors for the thousands of annual attendees.

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