Veterans Day was observed on Saturday November 11, 2023. On this day, Americans honor military veterans from all branches. Here is a little history about the holiday. From July 1914- November 1918 America was fighting in The Great War, also known as World War I. But the war couldn’t officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed. The treaty was finally signed on June 28, 1919, even though the fighting had stopped seven months prior. On November 11, 1918, an armistice went into effect. An armistice is an agreement made by opposing sides in a war, in other words, a truce. It went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11 AM on November 11th.) It is respectful to give two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. to honor all that have fought. It’s also common to start festivals and parades at 11 a.m. in honor of the veterans. Our very own Columbia, Missouri held its 45th annual Veterans day parade on November 10, 2023. It began at 11:00 a.m. and started near the intersection of Sumter and Laurel streets, ending at Pendleton Street. This year the grand marshals were the Vietnam veterans.
Back in November of 1919, President Wilson announced November 11 to be celebrated as Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day, with the words,
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn 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…”
It was not until 1954 that America decided to honor and recognize all veterans of all branches regardless if they died in war or not. In 1968, the White House finally signed a Uniform Holiday Bill to make sure that there is a three day weekend for all federal employees. People across The United States have continued to celebrate Veterans day since. We even celebrate here at Battle High School. Lots of teachers and staff members like to show videos about Veterans day. Some prefer to have students write thank you letters to veterans, or do an activity like a coloring sheet. Some schools do an assembly on or around Veterans day. Two Mile Prairie, an elementary school, recently did their Veterans day assembly. The school invited veterans in their families to teach and talk about their experiences as veterans. The students also surprised the veterans with a song. “I thought it was really great. Everybody had a lot of fun. Especially when the kids started singing. Very nice.” says Chris Patterson, a Marine who attended the Two Mile Prairie Veterans Day celebration.
Americans also like to celebrate veterans day outside of school events. Kayla Rutledge wrote an article for Sign Up Genius about 30 activities and ideas to honor Veterans Day. She said
“Many cities have memorials commemorating those who fought for the country. Lay some flowers on the memorial to pay your respects.” Continuing to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 not only reminds us of its historical background, but also reminds us of why we still celebrate it today. We celebrate now for all of the brave men and women that have fought, and who still are fighting for our country and freedom. It reminds us of their love for our country, their patriotism, and willingness to sacrifice for the good of our country