Veterans Day: A History

Veterans Day is generally observed annually on November 11. It is considered by many to be a national holiday that celebrates and honors veterans from the United States military—including those who have been lost and those who have retired from or left the military.  

Many also acknowledge that veterans might experience challenges while serving and may be subjected to intense training to become part of the armed forces. Many use this day to honor these individuals for their effort and sacrifice to the country. 

Whether you're celebrating an Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine or Coast Guard military veteran, understanding the day's historical and patriotic significance and how it impacts former military members can help you support and celebrate veterans on this day and throughout the year. It can also encourage veterans to connect with any mental health services they might need to have a more fulfilling experience in their daily lives. 

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, honors all U.S. military veterans for their service and sacrifice. The history of this day dates back to 1954 when it was established to replace Armistice Day, expanding its recognition beyond World War I to include individuals who served in World War II, the Korean War, and subsequent conflicts. The Department of Veterans Affairs plays a key role in supporting and celebrating veterans on this day, providing resources and services to those who have served.

Understanding the history: World War I

Many regard the start of Veterans Day as 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918—or at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, which is when World War I officially ended. This was considered a cause of world peace after what many called The Great War.

At first, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day. which was officially recognized in 1919 by President Wilson. In the first couple of years, Armistice Day was generally celebrated with parades, a break from work at 11 a.m., and speeches made by the military and the public to celebrate the bravery of soldiers returning from war. 

Historians suggest that it was May 13th, 1938, when the day was officially made a legal holiday. Many believe that Armistice Day was initially only meant to celebrate only World War I—which changed when  World War II soon followed. 

As a result, in 1954, the government expanded Armistice Day—changing its name to Veterans Day—to show gratitude to all U.S. veterans throughout military history, not only those from the First World War. 

The suggestion for this change is generally thought to have come from a veteran named Raymond Weeks from Alabama. Weeks led the first Veterans Day celebration parade in 1947 and is considered by many to be the "Father of Veterans Day." 

In 1954, President Eisenhower issued a Veterans Day proclamation, which stated, “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.” 

The proclamation was thought by many to have outlined the intent to recall the sacrifices of those who fought on seas, in the air, and on foreign shores for the American military among allied nations. 

The first person who was recorded to receive a National Veterans Award was Congressman Rees of Kansas. In 1971, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October until 1978, when the government returned the annual observance to November 11 after much confusion. Many believe that this change was due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, also called the Uniform Holiday Bill. This public law moved the observance of certain public holidays on Mondays to create three-day weekends for federal workers. Today, if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the observance is generally celebrated on the previous Friday or the following Monday, respectively.

Modern celebrations and honors

The White House generally issues an annual proclamation for Veterans Day. As many Americans celebrate the holiday, numerous restaurants, stores, and organizations might offer free meals, packages, and event entry for former military members and their families. There might also be Veterans Day speakers and ceremonies in many cities and towns. 

For example, New York City hosts an annual Veterans Day Parade, allowing former military members, federal employees, and non-veterans to participate with a Grand Marshal leading the procession. Those unable to attend the live event can livestream it online.  

While Veterans Day is generally considered to be a US event, some other countries might have similar days dedicated to celebrating those who have served. For example, Canada and Australia celebrate Remembrance Day, also on November 11, and Britain celebrates its own Remembrance Day on the Sunday closest to November 11.

How to support veterans on Veterans Day 

There are a few ways to show your support and honor those who have served in the military on Veterans Day, including: 

Talking about veteran mental health: Statistics from Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states that many former military members might experience PTSD. However, the rates can vary depending on the amount of time served and other factors. According to the VA, “7 out of every 100 Veterans (or 7%) will have PTSD” at some point in life.

The VA also claims that 23% of women who have received VA health care have experienced sexual assault, and 55% of women and 38% of men who use VA health care have experienced sexual harassment. For this reason (and many others), discussing mental health and raising awareness for former military members experiencing PTSD can be one way to support the veterans you know. 

Connecting community members to appropriate resources: Veterans service organizations

You can offer support to those who have served through several organizations that provide counseling services, financial assistance, and other help for veterans in need, including: 

• The PTSD Foundation of America, which is generally regarded as the leading authority, capable of providing PTSD support to veterans 

• The Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit that provides free mental health services to veterans and their families 

• Fisher House, an organization that can provide free housing for families of military receiving medical care 

• Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), an organization dedicated to supporting the voices of Vietnam veterans and their needs in the community in tangible ways 

Thanking them for their service

There are many ways you might thank a veteran for their service, including: 

• Writing a thank you card 

• Posting a thank you post online with the hashtag #VeteranSupport 

• Sending a care package 

• Saying, "Thank you for your service." 

• Offering a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store

If the individual is someone you know, you might also take them out to eat, sponsor a trip for them and their family, or donate for them to receive services (such as counseling). 

Checking in on them 

Many veterans might experience difficulty talking about what occurred during their time serving. If someone has symptoms of PTSD, they might not discuss these symptoms with their friends and family. Multiple deployments may increase the risk of PTSD.

By talking to those you love and checking in on their mental health, you can show that you care and understand trauma’s impact. If you notice signs of PTSD or another mental health concern, it may also be beneficial to recommend treatment options, support groups, or resources in your area. You might also let the person know if you would be willing to attend the first appointment or session with them or provide emotional support after sessions. Social connections can make a difference, as studies show it improves physical and mental health. 

Online counseling for veterans: How can it help? 

Many types of counseling are available to veterans, their families, and others who need help supporting former military members they know. As reaching out for help can feel scary for many, some veterans might prefer an online treatment modality. 

With online therapy, you can choose between phone calls, video chat, and live chat sessions with a licensed therapist—which is a level of flexibility that might remove barriers to treatment for some. 

Is online therapy effective? 

Studies have shown that internet-based therapy for veterans with PTSD can be highly effective and can reduce PTSD symptoms and long-term stress. In the study linked above, online therapy was found to be highly effective to address PTSD-related symptoms.