The first Armistice Day was celebrated on Nov. 11, 1919, following the signing of the ceasefire agreement between the Allied Powers and Germany on Nov. 11, 1918. The day was proclaimed by President (Woodrow) Wilson to honor the heroism of those who died in the war and to express gratitude for the victory.

Armistice Day officially revived its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action, and it might still be called Armistice Day, but only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, the second World War broke out in Europe. 16,500,000 Americans took part. 470,000 of them died in service – more than 292,000 in battle.

The first celebration using the term “Veterans Day” occurred in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II Veteran, organized “National Veterans Day” which included a parade and other festivities to honor all veterans. The event was held Nov. 11, then designated Armistice Day.

Later, U.S. Rep. Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President (Dwight) Eisenhower signed, proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Medal from President (Ronald) Reagan in 1982 for what he started.

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that Nov. 11 was a date in historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

This Nov. 11 is the 70th anniversary of the official change from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Thank your Veterans for their service.

Ben Schaper, retired chief master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force
Oakville