Veterans' Day -- November 11th

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Veterans' Day with the following words, "To us, in America, the reflections of Veterans' 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 . . ."  

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and pubic meetings and a brief suspension of business at 11 a.m.  

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War 1 when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:  "Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary and far reaching was in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and 

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of the date should be commemorated with Thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations, and   

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11th be a Legal Holiday.  Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate that the President of The United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag if the United States on all Government Buildings on November 11th and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in Schools and Churches or other suitable places with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other people."