To All US Veterans: Thank You for your service to our country. Make sure that you let all of your friends and co-workers know that You are a Veteran — today is your day!
Throughout history in times of both peace and war, yourselves and millions of other heroic U.S. Military personnel have proudly served our nation, from WWI-II through to the Korean War, Vietnam & the Cold War, to the Gulf War and the War on Terrorism.
VetFriends.com salutes, thanks and supports all of you, our U.S. Veterans, active & reserve military of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines & Coast Guard – All Heroes of our nation.
We wish you a wonderful Veterans Day full of tradition, honor & respect.
Keep reading to find a brief history of Veterans Day, member-added tribute photos, details on how to celebrate the national holiday, and how to share your own Veterans Day thoughts & experiences on our site!
History of Veterans Day
- 1921 – An unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe).
- These memorial services all took place on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I at 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), which became known as Armistice Day.
- 1926 – Congress invited all Americans to observe Armistice Day, and then officially made it a national holiday in 1938.
- On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. Veterans.
- 1968 – New legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, it soon became apparent that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans so in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
How to Celebrate
The Most Common Way to Celebrate this National Holiday is by attending parades that honor the sacrifices of our brave US Veterans. These are family friendly events filled with patriotism, exciting floats, & most importantly – Veterans!
Not sure where the nearest parade is happening in your area? Check out our Veterans Day Parade Directory to search for a parade near you or add one to the list!
Another great way to spend the holiday is to devote some time to helping our Veterans in any way you can. Check out our post detailing 8 Unique Ways to Give Back to Veterans for inspiration!
We’d Love to Hear How You Spent Veterans Day!
Please visit the online Veterans Day Forum to share your personal comments and insights of what Veterans Day means to you, along with how you spent the holiday.
“Veterans Day is a time when all of us who have served can wear our colors and be proud of what we were no matter where or when we were in – or what our job was. Each of us were a part of a whole and were important. The best of all is that we are a part of a select group of people…we are U.S. Veterans!”
U.S. Veteran S. Hendrickx for VetFriends.com
“I thank you Veterans for not being selfish with your lives and believing in our nation’s freedom. May we laugh, cry and remember on this day, November 11, our experiences and memories.”
U.S. Veteran R. Zelonis for VetFriends.com
Thanks to all of our Veterans & Active Military!
Throughout history in times of both peace and war, yourselves and millions of other heroic U.S. Military personnel have proudly served our nation. VetFriends.com salutes, thanks and supports all of you, our U.S. Veterans, active & reserve military of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines & Coast Guard – All Heroes of Our Nation.
From everyone at VetFriends.com, have a wonderful Veterans Day! And remember, at VetFriends.com it’s Veterans Day all year long!!
Show Your Pride All Year and visit the US Military Pride Catalog or
Browse Pride Items By Your Service Era.
“Challenge Coin Check” Rules for Military Veterans