Veterans Day observed 2021 is all set to be observed in the US. The day to recall the services. And sacrifices of the veterans in all wars will be observed on the 11th of November, 2021. The day we are talking about is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who has served and are serving the United States in wars. The holiday is particularly observed to honor living veterans.
Veterans day observed 2021
Veterans Day is marked by parades and church services. There are so many places in the USA where the American flag is hung at half-mast. On the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, the 11th hour of the day is reserved as a period of silence lasting 2 minutes.
All the schools are not closed on Veterans day. The schools that are open on Veterans Day choose to mark the occasion with special assemblies or some other activities that attribute the armed forces or Veterans.
The day to honor Veterans is officially observed on November 11. But if 11th November falls on a weekday, many communities and companies hold their celebrations on the weekend closest. The aim of this decision is to enable more people to attend and participate in the events of the day.
Federal Government offices remain closed on Veterans Day. In case Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, federal govt offices remain closed on Friday, November 10. In case 11th November falls on a Sunday, federal government offices remain closed on Monday, November 12.
However, State & local govt, and schools as well as non-governmental businesses are not required to close. These businesses may decide to remain open or closed.
On the other hand, Public transit systems are subjected to follow a regular or holiday schedule by the way.
History Of Veterans Day
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918 when an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. And the 11th November 1919 was the first day commemorated as Armistice Day.
President Wilson declared in 1919 that November 11 will be the day that should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory”. The president also proclaimed some plans for parades and public meetings alongside a brief suspension of business activities at 11 am on Veterans Day.
History Of Veterans Day In 1926
Later on, in 1926, the US Congress officially recognized the end of the First World War and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer as well. The US Congress also requested that the president should issue a proclamation. This proclamation was supposed to call upon the officials to display the flag of the US on all Govt buildings on Veterans Day.
The president was also requested to invite the people of the United States to observe the day in schools churches and all other suitable places. Appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples were planned to be held in the next years.
What Is Veterans Day
An Act was approved on the 13th of May in 1938. This Act made November 11 a legal holiday every year. There was reserved as Armistice Day originally intended to honor veterans of World War I.
After a few years, World War II needed the largest mobilization of servicemen in the history of the US. The American forces fought in Korea.
In the year 1954, the veteran’s service organizations urged United States Congress to change the word “Armistice” to today known word “Veterans”. The US Congress did approve this change and on 1st June in 1954, November 11 became a day to honor and tribute all American veterans. The Veterans are honored now without discrimination of their places and times of services.
Later on, in 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) attempted to move Veterans Day to the 4th Monday of October. Though the bill took effect in 1971, it caused a lot of confusion as many states disagreed with this decision. That’s why many states continued to hold Veterans Day activities on November 11.
Time passed away and it was the year 1975 when President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), stating that Veterans Day would again be observed on November 11 from the year 1978 onwards.
