The observance that evolved into Veterans Day was first celebrated on November 11, 1919. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this day as Armistice Day to mark the first anniversary of the end of World War I. This initial commemoration was specifically intended to honor the veterans of that conflict through parades and a brief suspension of business activities at 11:00 a.m.
Armistice Day officially became a national holiday by an Act of Congress in 1938. However, following the large-scale mobilization of forces in World War II and the Korean War, veterans' service organizations urged for a change to make the holiday more inclusive. As a result, on June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation that amended the 1938 act, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Consequently, while the tradition of a November 11th observance began in 1919, the first official celebration under the name "Veterans Day" occurred on November 11, 1954. The date's origin remains tied to the end of World War I, but its purpose was formally expanded to acknowledge and thank all individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
