On the eleventh day of the eleventh month on the eleventh hour in 1918 an armistice went into effect ending the hostilities between Germany and the allied nations , thus ending the hostilities in what became known as World War I. One year later President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as a day of remembrance, Armistice Day.
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” President Woodrow Wilson
In 1954 November 11th became a day to honor all veterans and Armistice Day became Veterans Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.
“let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Today we thank all veterans for your service to our country, we thank you for your sacrifices, we thank you for your unselfishness, and we thank you for putting on the uniform and protecting America.