The federal holiday known as Veterans Day was officially established on June 1, 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of the existing Armistice Day holiday. The original holiday, Armistice Day, was enacted by Congress on May 13, 1938, as a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace and to honor the veterans of World War I. It was celebrated annually on November 11th, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in that conflict.
The evolution from Armistice Day to its current form was prompted by the large number of veterans who had served in World War II and the Korean War. A movement, championed by veterans' service organizations, argued that the holiday should be broadened to honor all American veterans of all wars. On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the 1938 act by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." This change transformed the day into a tribute to American veterans of all eras. Another significant legislative change occurred with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which moved the observance to the fourth Monday in October, effective in 1971. However, due to the historical significance of the November 11th date, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law in 1975 returning the official observance to its original date, a change that took effect in 1978.
The establishment of this day reflects a crucial shift in national recognition. While Armistice Day was specifically tied to the cessation of a single conflict, the transition to Veterans Day created a broader, more inclusive holiday. It now serves as a dedicated occasion to honor the service and sacrifice of all individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both living and deceased, during times of war and peace. The permanent return to the November 11th date underscores the holiday's historical roots in the armistice that ended World War I, while its modern name and purpose encompass the contributions of every generation of American military personnel.
