11 Facts About Veterans Day

1. Who was president on the first Veterans Day?

Woodrow Wilson was president on the first Armistice Day, November 11, 1919, marking the end of World War I.

2. When did Armistice day change to Veterans Day?

In 1954, the United States Senate voted to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill.

3. Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?

We celebrate Veterans Day to recognize all living military veterans who served domestically or overseas—from World War II, to Korean, to Vietnam, to Afghanistan and Iraq.

4. Who do we celebrate on Veterans Day?

All living veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

5. When is Veterans Day in 2021?

Veterans Day lands on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

6. Why is Veterans Day on the 11th?

Veterans Day lands on November 11 of every year. It technically lands on the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of every year.

7. Who proposed we call it Veterans Day?

Congress Ed Rees proposed the name change to Veterans Day. As a congressman from Emporia, Kansas, Rees submitted the idea to president Eisenhower. The bill passed on March 15, 1954.

8. Who established our modern Veterans Day?

President Dwight D. Eisenhower gets the credit for establishing our modern Veterans Day. 

It’s only fitting since Mr. Eisenhower was known as General Eisenhower during World War II, Supreme Commander of all Allied troops invading Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

9. What is the meaning of Veterans Day?
The meaning of Veterans Day is simply to remember, recognize, and honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

10. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
The primary difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is that on Memorial Day we remember the soldiers who gave their lives while serving, whereas on Veterans Day we honor the living veterans for their service.

11. What is the best way to honor a vet on Veterans Day?
The best way to honor a military veteran is to say thanks.