Veterans Day isn’t just a day off from school or work; it is a day set aside to acknowledge and honor those who have served honorably in our nation’s military. The armed forces are composed of six branches: the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Our military stands as the cornerstone of our nation, protecting the freedoms and opportunities that define American life. Without the courage and sacrifice of our service members, our country would not be where it is today.

The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to World War I. Called “The Great War,” World War I formally ended on June 28, 1919. On that day, Germany and the Allied nations—England, France, and the United States—signed the Treaty of Versailles in the Palace of Versailles in France. However, the fighting had ended seven months earlier with the armistice, or a temporary truce. The armistice began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of World War I.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th to be Armistice Day. “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service,” he said.

President Wilson declared that Armistice Day would celebrate the U.S. victory and demonstrate the nation’s love of peace and justice. He said the day would be celebrated with parades and public events, and at 11 a.m., all business would stop briefly in honor of the moment.

Congress officially recognized Armistice Day on June 4, 1926. It passed a resolution stating that November 11, 1918, marked the end of the most destructive and far-reaching war in human history. The resolution emphasized that the day should be observed with thanksgiving and prayer, encouraging goodwill and mutual understanding between nations. It also directed that the U.S. flag be displayed on all government buildings.

In 1938, Congress made November 11th a national legal holiday, dedicating the day to world peace and calling it “Armistice Day.” At first, it primarily honored veterans of World War I. However, after the United States entered World War II in 1941—leading to the largest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the nation’s history—the meaning of the day expanded. By the 1950s, with the Korean War adding to the ranks of those who had served, veterans’ organizations urged Congress to honor all veterans. In 1954, Congress amended the 1938 law, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” thus establishing November 11th as a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor soldiers who died while serving their country, particularly those who died in battle or from war wounds. Veterans Day, however, honors and thanks all who served honorably in the military—whether in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is primarily intended to thank living veterans for their service. It demonstrates that their contributions are deeply appreciated and emphasizes that all who have served, not only those who died, have made sacrifices for their country.

Is Veterans Day Celebrated in Other Countries?

Yes, several other countries honor their veterans each year on November 11th, though their traditions vary. For example, Canada and Australia observe “Remembrance Day” on November 11th, while Great Britain observes Remembrance Day on the Sunday nearest to that date.

Canada’s Remembrance Day is similar to the U.S. observance and honors all who served in Canada’s Armed Forces. Unlike in the United States, many Canadians wear red poppy flowers on November 11th in remembrance of their war dead. The tradition began with the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian surgeon. His poem expressed grief over the graves of soldiers who had died on the battlefields of Flanders, a region of western Belgium and northern France where some of the war’s fiercest battles took place. He described bright red poppies blooming among the rows of white crosses that marked the soldiers’ graves.

Americans traditionally wear poppies in honor of the war dead on Memorial Day rather than Veterans Day. In Australia, Remembrance Day closely resembles America’s Memorial Day.

In Great Britain, the day is commemorated with church services and parades of ex-service members. Wreaths of poppies are laid at the Cenotaph, a war memorial in London. At the Cenotaph and across the country, a two-minute moment of silence is observed at 11 a.m. to honor those who lost their lives in war.

Veterans Day in Porterville

In the City of Porterville, all schools will be closed in observance of Veterans Day, allowing the community to come together to honor those who have served. The city will host its 107th annual Veterans Homecoming Parade on Tuesday, November 11, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Porterville along Main Street. This year’s theme, “250 Years of Freedom,” celebrates the enduring legacy of American service and sacrifice. Following the parade, the annual Band-A-Rama will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Jacob Rankin Stadium, featuring exceptional performances from school bands across Porterville Unified and the surrounding area. These community events serve as a reminder that honoring our veterans is not merely a gesture, but a meaningful act of gratitude and unity shared by all.

As we pause to celebrate Veterans Day, both nationally and here in Porterville, we are reminded that freedom is not a privilege freely given; it is a responsibility earned and preserved through the courage of those who serve. Every parade, every note of music, and every moment of silence reflects a shared appreciation for the men and women whose sacrifices have shaped our nation’s story. May we continue to honor their service not only through our words, but through the values of respect, unity, and civic pride that define our community.

If you would like to thank a veteran for their service, consider writing a letter to a veteran. Follow the link to learn more from the A Million Thanks program: https://amillionthanks.org/