Photo: kara huff (Flickr)
WFIU thanks those who have committed their service to protecting our country.
WFIU would like to thank and honor those who have served in the United States armed services. We remember those still actively serving. And in honor of this special day, we would like to show you some of our own friends and family who have served their country.
Short History Of Veterans Day
Nov. 19, 1919–President Woodrow Wilson first proclaims Armistice Day (Nov. 19) as a national holiday. He said:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
June 4, 1946–Congress requests that President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. November 11 soon became a legal holiday, declared “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”
October 8th 1938–President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation”: “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.”
June 1, 1954,–Congress amends this, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans.” It has been known as Veterans Day ever since.
In 1971 in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October. In 1978 it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11.
