History of Veterans Day in Timeline

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th in the United States, honors military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It aligns with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in other countries, commemorating the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 following advocacy from U.S. veteran organizations, shifting the focus from the end of a specific war to honoring all American veterans.

1918: End of World War I hostilities

In 1918, major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

November 11, 1919: President Wilson's Armistice Day message

On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to Americans on the first Armistice Day, expressing his sentiments about the day's significance.

June 4, 1926: Congressional resolution for Armistice Day observance

On June 4, 1926, the United States Congress adopted a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue annual proclamations for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies.

May 13, 1938: Armistice Day becomes a legal holiday

On May 13, 1938, a Congressional Act made November 11 a legal holiday, known as 'Armistice Day', dedicated to world peace.

1945: Raymond Weeks proposes National Veterans Day

In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks proposed a national holiday to honor all war veterans on Armistice Day.

1947: First National Veterans Day celebration led by Raymond Weeks

In 1947, Raymond Weeks led the first national celebration of what would become Veterans Day in Alabama.

May 26, 1954: Veterans Day bill signed into law

On May 26, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill establishing Veterans Day into law.

June 1, 1954: Amendment renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day

On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the bill, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," officially changing the name to Veterans Day.

1954: Armistice Day renamed Veterans Day

In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day at the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations.

1954: Creation of the National Veterans Award

In 1954, the National Veterans Award was created, and Congressman Rees of Kansas received the first award for his support in making Veterans Day a federal holiday.

October 25, 1971: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

Beginning in 1971, in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October, first observed on October 25, 1971.

October 23, 1972: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

In 1972, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday of October, which was October 23, 1972.

October 22, 1973: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

In 1973, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday of October, which was October 22, 1973.

October 28, 1974: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

In 1974, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday of October, which was October 28, 1974.

October 27, 1975: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

In 1975, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday of October, which was October 27, 1975.

October 25, 1976: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

In 1976, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday of October, which was October 25, 1976.

October 24, 1977: Veterans Day observed on fourth Monday of October

In 1977, Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday of October, which was October 24, 1977.

1978: Veterans Day returned to original date

In 1978, Veterans Day was moved back to its original celebration date on November 11.

1982: Raymond Weeks honored at the White House

In 1982, President Reagan honored Raymond Weeks at the White House with the Presidential Citizenship Medal for his role in establishing the national holiday.

1985: Death of Raymond Weeks

In 1985, Raymond Weeks, the driving force behind the establishment of Veterans Day as a national holiday, passed away. He had led the annual celebration in Alabama since 1947.