Veterans’ Day

By: Hallee
On: 11 Nov 2009

A Brief History of Veterans’ Day

World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War, ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary cessation of hostilities- in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918.

On November 11, 1919, President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following words:

“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 and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations”

November 11, 1920, France and the United Kingdom hold ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which should be held services in the interest of international peace.

VeteransDay Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11, 1921, is chosen for the date of the ceremony. On October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921, a legal Federal holiday to honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.

In 1926, Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is issued by the President.

May 13, 1938, Congress passes legislation making November 11 a legal Federal holiday: Armistice Day.

World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.

On June 1, 1954, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans’ Day.

In 1968, Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in October as the new date for the observance of Veteran’s Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.

The Federal observance of Veteran’s Day is held on the fourth Monday of October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin; 1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia; 1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming

In 1975, Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran’s Day to November 11, based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.

In 1978, Veteran’s Day observance reverts to November 11.

There are over 25 million veterans living in the United States today.

Taken from militaryavenue.com:

Veterans Day 2009 – Military Discounts

We are searching high and low for what businesses are taking the time to appreciate the military veteran this Veteran’s Day.

National

Free Meal from Applebees
Free Meal at Golden Corral (on Monday, November 16th)
Free Meal from McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant (on Sunday, November 8th)
Free Cane from AMG Medical Inc at your local Sam’s Club
Veteran’s Day Special at Build-A-Bear Workshop for all Military ID Holders Receive a 20% discount on any Build-A-Bear Workshop stores (November 11 – 15th)
Fashion Bug 20% regular prices off with a Military ID (November 7th)
Federal Parks: Park Fees waived for all military, past and present, and their families. (November 11th)
UNO Chicago Grill invites all members of the military, both veterans and active duty, to enjoy a free entree or individual pizza with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. (November 11th)
Free breakfast for all veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th during regular breakfast hours at your Hy-Vee. Choose from scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrown casserole, biscuits and gravy and more served with a free small beverage. Veterans will also receive a free carnation at the Veterans Day Breakfast.
Free Krispy Kreme donuts: Veterans and active military personnel are invited to visit any participating U.S. Krispy Kreme store on Veterans Day, November 11, and enjoy one free doughnut of any variety.
Dollar General – 10% discount for all veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve, and their immediate families. The Dollar General Veterans Day coupon can be found in the Nov. 1 Dollar General advertising circular in stores or by asking a Dollar General sales associate for the coupon.
Outback Steakhouse – All Veterans will receive a free drink and Bloomin’ Onion

Arizona

Cortiva Institute-Scottsdale is offering complimentary one-hour massages in its Student Clinic from Nov. 16 – 21.

Arkansas

North Pulaski Storage, MILITARY SPECIAL 5% off every month VETERANS DAY SPECIAL Now through Veterans Day Receive an extra $10 off your 1st months rent.

California

Knott’s Berry Farm pays tribute to past and present U.S. armed forces personnel during Veteran’s Month with free park admission for them and a guest November 1-26
A special screening of the Sony Entertainment Pictures film “2012” for miliary & their families, UltraStar Cinemas Mission MarketPlace 13, RSVP to Jill@UltraStarMovies.com.
UCLA vs Washington: Pasadena, CA Nov. 7, Saturday’s football game at the Rose Bowl is the thirteenth annual UCLA Veterans and Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Veterans & Armed Forces personnel are eligible to receive either one (1) free general admission ticket or can purchase Buy-One-Get-One Free Reserved Tickets (up to 4 total tickets).
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto: Berkeley, CA; Sunday, November 8th; Free lunch or dinner entree; Proper ID will be required.

Florida

Sanford, FL Free Admission at the Central Florida Zoo with proper ID; 407-323-4450 (November 7 & 8th)

Georgia

Free Pizza courtesy of All Star Chem-Dry
The Georgia Aquarium Welcomes Military Heroes & Families, All ACTIVE , RETIRED, and RESERVE personnel and their families will receive a General Admission ticket for only $20 each as a special thank you, and a 10% discount in the Aquarium gift shops. November 7 – 15

Kansas

All Military Pups (Active & Retired) receive a FREE Bath & Toenail Trim Sat 11/14 & Sun 11/15 from Main Street Pet Resort & Day Spa

Massachusetts

Viva Amore Bridal Salon: Free Wedding Gowns Nov 10-13th Watertown, Boston. Viva Amore Bridal Salon is joining Brides Across American to honor Military personnel who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or whose finaces are on active duty with free gowns. The event takes place from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13. To qualify, brides must be engaged, on active duty in the military, or have a fiancé on active duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan. All military brides must show ID, copy of deployment papers, orders or other qualifying proof. Brides do not have to reside in the area where the giveaway is taking place. The event has limited amounts of gowns and is on a first come first-serve basis.

Michigan

In honor of Veterans Day, free plastic and reconstructive surgery is being offered by the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2680 Leonard NE, Suite 4, Grand Rapids, for any Michigan vet injured while on active duty.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks (south-east Michigan) will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27 for its “Appreciation Days” program.

Nebraska

Strategic Air & Space Museum, Ashland, Nebraska, Free Admission for Veterans on November 11 and November 14

North Carolina

Chick-fil-A: Southern Pines, NC (near Ft Bragg) will be giving away free meals to all military veterans. Uniform or proof of service required on November 11.
Carolina Burgers and BBQ in Matthews, NC is offering a FREE meal to all service members and veterans on Veterans Day, Nov 11. ID Requirements are as follows: Valid Veteran and Active Duty ID, U.S. Uniform Services ID, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES); Veterans Organization Card, Wearing uniform, DD214 Citation or Commendation

Oklahoma

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Oklahoma City, OK; Veterans Day – Free admission, plus 5 guests; 9-5pm Proper ID will be required.

Virginia

As a salute to military service, Colonial Williamsburg is offering an “Honoring Service to America” Pass that provides free admission to active duty military personnel, reservists, retirees, veterans and their families. This pass includes admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums. With the pass, military personnel and their families are also entitled to discounted rates at Colonial Williamsburg’s Resort Collection hotel properties. (Friday through Wednesday, Nov. 6-11th)
Free Spa Services: Natural Elements Spa & Salon, Chesapeake, VA, will provide FREE services to Military Veterans on Wednesday Novemeber 11th, 2009 for both active duty and retired military from 10 AM – 3 PM. Veterans interested in FREE services of Elemential Facial, Body Bliss Massage, and Hydrofying Hair must call Natural Elements Spa & Salon for their appointment. (757) 436-1141.
Masala Wok; restaurants in Northern VA are offereing a free entree and heartfelt thanks to all US veterans and active duty military this Veterans Day (Nov 11th). With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, active duty and veterans will eat free during regular business hours. *Veterans and active duty with proof of United States military service will be able to go to one of the two Masala Wok’s in VA and select one complimentary entrée from the regular full menu.
Maya Couture, Norfolk Virginia, will be giving away free designer wedding gowns on November 11, 2009. Bridal salons across the country are pleased to reward the military personnel who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or whose fiancé’s are on active duty in these areas with this special Veteran’s Day event.
In honor of Veterans Day, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets hosts Government and Military Appreciation Days this Nov 7 – 11. Government and military employees are invited to show their ID to receive additional savings at participating stores. Visit customer service in the food court for a Free VIP Coupon Book and other special offers from stores including Anne Klein, Jones New York, Coldwater Creek, Calvin Klein, Aerosoles, Reed & Barton, Samsonite, Liz Claiborne, Bass, Van Heusen and more. Light refreshments offered Saturday and Sunday morning.

Wisconsin