Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I, which was marked by the armistice with Germany on November 11, 1918【8†source】. President Wilson first proclaimed the day in 1919, emphasizing reflection on the heroism of those who died in service and the victory achieved【9†source】. The day was meant to be observed with parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business starting at 11:00 a.m【10†source】. Congress recognized the significance of the date in 1926 and requested that the President issue a proclamation inviting Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies【11†source】.

 

In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday, known as Armistice Day, honoring veterans of World War I【12†source】. However, post-World War II and the Korean War saw the greatest mobilization of US forces, prompting the 83rd Congress in 1954 to rename the holiday to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars【13†source】. The Uniform Holiday Bill in 1968 aimed to provide three-day weekends for federal employees, which included Veterans Day, but many states did not agree with the change【14†source】. Due to confusion and the significance of the date, President Gerald R. Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11 in 1975, starting from 1978【15†source】. This reinstatement honored the date's historical importance and the public's sentiment.