 
November 11
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veterans /
remembrance day
United States, Canada
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i s t o r y
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Veterans Day, intitially known as
Armistice Day in honor of the armistice that brought World War I to a
close on this date in 1918, was first celebrated to pay tribute to the
brave people who fought in that war on behalf of their fellow
countrymen. It became an American national holiday according to a
Congressional resolution passed in 1938. After World War II saw the
return of many more courageous veterans to acknowledge, this day was
renamed Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada
to express appreciation for all those coming back from subsequent wars.
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r a d i t i o n s
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The tradition of Veterans Day
began with the burial of an unknown soldier each at Arlington Cemetary
in the United States and corresponding distinguished places in England
and France, and thus it is appropriate that the observance is conducted
close to its roots. The Tomb of Unknowns at Arlington Cemetary is the
site of the principal ceromony, which includes a color guard
representing all the national military divisions and the dedication and
placement of the presidential wreath at the tomb. National cemetaries
acorss the country hold commemorative events. However, unlike Memorial
Day, which is largely devoted to venerating those who perished during
their service, Veterans Day commends the courage and selflessness of the
survivors. Public ceremonies are encouraged to recognize our collective
debt and gratitude to veterans. Researching any of the 20th century wars
or in the best case, talking to a veteran about their experiences are
also appropriate ways of observing this day.
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a c t s
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 For more
information on Veterans Day in the United States, contact the Veterans
of Foreign Wars or go to their website www.vfw.org/amesm/origins.shtml
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In some European countries this holiday is still
observed as Armistice Day in commemoration of the end of World War I.
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