Today, November 11, 2021, we celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. Contrary to popular belief, Veterans Day and Memorial Day are not the same. Formerly known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was created as a holiday to celebrate the end of WWI, and later in 1938, legislation was passed on November 11 “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'”
On June 1st, 1954, after WWII, the veteran’s service organization amended the Act of 1938 to be renamed “Veterans Day” and honor American veterans from all wars. To ensure three day weekends, the holiday was changed to the fourth Monday of October, however, many didn’t agree with this change, and was quickly overturned by President Gerald R. Ford to bring the holiday back to its original date of November 11. If the Nov. 11 holiday falls on a non-workday — Saturday or Sunday — the holiday is observed by the federal government on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).
On this Veterans Day, we are deeply grateful to those who served our country, as well as to those whose family members have served. Our FNU Hialeah Campus Library has set out books for those wanting to learn more about this important day. To all those who have served or continue to serve, we salute you.
Please take a moment today to express your gratitude and respect to all the veterans in your life.
