{"id":53949,"date":"2019-11-11T13:37:43","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T18:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=53949"},"modified":"2023-12-26T10:58:22","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T15:58:22","slug":"remembering-armistice-day-veterans-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/remembering-armistice-day-veterans-day.html","title":{"rendered":"Remembering Armistice Day (Veterans Day)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/em><\/strong>: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega writes about the history of Armistice Day\/Veterans Day, and gives some tips for celebrating the holiday with some family history research. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book \u201cFrom the Family Kitchen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors veterans of all wars, but its roots are firmly planted in the end of World War I. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities on the Western Front of WWI, which occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: Joseph Ambrose, an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War. Credit: National Archives and Records Administration; Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1954 the day was renamed Veterans Day in the U.S. (it\u2019s also known as Remembrance Day in other countries). Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who have died while in military service, Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.<\/p>\n

WWI Armistice<\/strong><\/p>\n

As you can imagine, the end of the fighting of the Great War (as it was then known) was a cause for celebrating. For those in Europe, the war had been a long four years \u2013 and although the after effects would continue, including civilian food insecurity, the end of hostilities was still a reason to celebrate.<\/p>\n

One U.S. soldier from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Sgt. Sigvald Jensen, wrote home from France to his father recounting that day:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe night the armistice was signed, the French ran up and down the streets, men grabbing other men\u2019s wives and kissing them; girls grabbed soldiers and kissed them. They were sure wild.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"An<\/a>
Omaha Daily Bee (Omaha, Nebraska), 12 January 1919, page 14<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A year later, President Woodrow Wilson gave a statement about Armistice Day, remembering the sacrifices that were made by all:<\/p>\n

\u201cTo us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country\u2019s 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 nations.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"An<\/a>
Arizona Daily Orb (Bisbee, Arizona), 11 November 1919, page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By 1919, Armistice Day was a holiday \u2013 but not an official national holiday. A year later, this newspaper article tells of the day\u2019s celebration, which was not part of an organized event but a day of joy for those who were involved. It was a \u201cduplication of the spontaneous outbreak of joy and patriotism which characterized the demonstration here on Nov. 11, 1918.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Denver Post (Denver, Colorado), 1 January 1920, page 23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veterans Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1926 Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance of the day, but it did not become a national holiday until 1938. While that day was originally a day to honor the Great War\u2019s armistice, the meaning behind the day evolved \u2013 especially with the conclusion of World War II. In 1954 the day was renamed Veterans Day to reflect its new purpose: a day to honor all veterans.*<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Evansville Courier and Press (Evansville, Indiana), 8 February 1954, page 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How Will You Remember the Veterans in Your Family Tree?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You may have numerous options for celebrating Veterans Day. Maybe you have a day off from work and plan to gather with family for a BBQ, or you\u2019re planning on being a part of your local community\u2019s festivities. May I suggest some family history activities to commemorate this day?<\/p>\n

Consider the veterans in your family tree and take some time to document their military service. Some ideas to consider include:<\/p>\n