Origins in World War I:

• The armistice that ended World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. 

Armistice Day Established:

• In 1919, the United States observed the first Armistice Day, a day to commemorate the end of the war and honor those who served. 

Becoming a Federal Holiday:

• In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday, primarily to honor veterans of World War I and celebrate peace. 

Expanding the Scope:

• After World War II and the Korean War, veterans service organizations urged the U.S. Congress to change the holiday to be more inclusive of all veterans. 

Renamed Veterans Day:

• In 1954, Congress officially renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill, recognizing all veterans of all wars. 

Uniform Holiday Act:

• In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Act moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October, but this was later changed back to November 11th in 1975, according to VA News [20, 27].

Continuing the Tradition:

• Today, Veterans Day is a day of national reflection, remembrance, and celebration of the contributions and sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. armed forces.