Remembering those who came before - Veteran's Day retrospective

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Military members have served all throughout history, from the dawn of civilization to present day. Militaries have started empires, ended dynasties, fought wars and preserved peace all over the world. On Friday, Nov. 11, our country celebrated a very important day - Veteran's Day.

Veteran's Day wasn't always known as such. Armistice Day when was established Nov. 11, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson, in honor of the cease fire - or armistice - that had ended the hostilities of World War I a year-to-the-day before. A congressional act made Armistice Day an annual legal holiday May 13, 1938. On June 1, 1954, congress amended the act and the name changed to Veteran's Day to honor Veterans of all wars following the end of World War II.

"The effervescent character of American military personnel was instrumental in changing this holiday," said John Murphy, historian for the 436th Airlift Wing. "This holiday was originally not directed towards the military men and women but more towards the cessation of military operations."

Veteran's Day is always observed on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week it falls. At exactly 11 a.m., a color guard, composed of members from each military branch, renders honors to America's war dead during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The president, or his representative, places a wreath at the tomb as "Taps" sounds.

"This day is intended to celebrate the Americans who make huge sacrifices through dedicated service to their country," said Murphy. "Local populations achieve this through parades, ceremonies, job and health fairs, and surprise homecomings of deployed service members."

America is not the only country that celebrates some form of Veteran's day. In fact, Canada, Australia and Great Britain all celebrate what they refer to as Remembrance Day. Both Canada and Australia celebrate their holidays on Nov. 11, while Great Britain celebrates Remembrance Day on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11. Australia's Remembrance Day is more akin to America's Memorial Day, while both Canada and Great Britain's holidays are more similar to the American holiday.

"While all of the parades, free meals and ceremonies are well-intended and certainly appreciated, I can certainly say for myself and probably most of the more than 30 million living veterans, nothing hits the heart harder than two simple words - 'thank you!'" said Murphy.