Similar ceremonies occurred as well in England and France. An unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving worldwide recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day then became known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by another Congressional action. If World War I truly had been “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day today. But only a few years after the holiday was officially declared, war broke out in Europe and World War II was upon us. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part, of which four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle. Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day,” which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks’ local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide. On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil. A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. National Ceremonies Held at Arlington National Cemetery The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. The nation’s tribute is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath at which time the bugler plays “taps.” The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater. Cape Cod is home of the Massachusetts National Cemetery. It is located in Bourne adjacent to the Otis Air National Guard Base. Each year citizens are encouraged to come adorn each grave with an American Flag as a tribute for the service of those that have passed. It is a very moving site to see. Thank you to WBUR 90.9 for the great picture. For information on Veterans Day events in your area check with your local Town Hall. Information for the article was gathered From The US Department of Veterans Affairs – Washington DC ]]>