World War I ended at 11AM on November 11, 1918. The following year (in 1919), President Woodrow Wilson declared Armistice Day to commemorate that peace. In 1938, it became a national holiday, and in 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day.
Respecting our soldiers has been part of the American fabric of life long before this holiday was officially established. For example, President Abraham Lincoln said: Honor to the Soldier and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor...to him who braves for the common good the storms of heaven and the storms of battle. |