Armistice Day is established as a day of remembrance and contemplation in honor of the 40 million that died in WWI.
In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson commemorated Armistice Day, saying that Americans would reflect on the anniversary of the armistice “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….”
Woodrow Wilson establishes the League of Nations to help prevent future wars. The USA, however, fails to join.
Three years later, WWII begins.
In 1954, Congress changes the name of Armistice Day, to Veterans Day.
“Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” - Dwight Eisenhower
Thank you, veterans of all wars (including my dad and my uncle's service during the Korean War and WWII).