Veterans Day

Veteran’s Day, observed on the 11 of November, is a federal holiday for honoring all of American veterans. Formerly known as the Armistice Day, this holiday was intended to celebrate World War I veterans and to mark the anniversary of the end of the War, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

In 1938, the United States Congress, by approving an Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) on May 13, made the 11th of November a legal holiday, "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ’Armistice Day’. It was until after World War II, when in 1954, on June 1, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day and extended to honor all the veterans of the United States Armed Forces, whenever and where ever they had served. There was an attempt to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday of October, but, because of disagreement of many states with this decision, it has failed.

Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday, so all government offices and most schools are closed. Parades and church services are held in many places. The occasion is marked with special assemblies and some other activities. The U.S. flag is hung at half mast on government buildings and private houses. A period of silence lasting two minutes is held at 11am on Veterans Day.

We congratulate all veterans and all American people, and wish you PEACE, JOY and PROSPERITY!