World War I, often called “The Great War,” was a global conflict that altered the political, cultural, and social fabric of the early 20th century. While its effects were felt most heavily in Europe, the United States emerged from the war with a new global role and a fresh sense of national identity. This shift not only changed the course of American history but also laid the groundwork for how the country would remember and honor its military personnel.
Veterans Day, celebrated every November 11, was directly born from this conflict. What began as a solemn tribute to the armistice that ended World War I evolved into a broader national observance for all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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The Scope and Significance of U.S. Involvement in WWI
A Late but Powerful Entry
The United States officially entered World War I on April 6, 1917, joining the Allied Powers against the Central Powers. Although it joined the war nearly three years after it began, America’s involvement was decisive.
More than 4.7 million Americans served in military uniform during WWI. Among them, over 2 million soldiers were deployed to Europe, with approximately 116,000 American service members losing their lives, and over 200,000 wounded.
This level of engagement was unprecedented in U.S. history and marked the first major American military operation overseas. The war instilled a profound respect for those who served and created a nationwide desire to honor the sacrifice of veterans, both living and fallen.
The Armistice of November 11, 1918: A Symbol of Peace
The End of Hostilities
At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, the armistice between the Allied forces and Germany went into effect, effectively ending active combat in World War I. Although the Treaty of Versailles would not be signed until 1919, this ceasefire was seen as the moment the war ended.
The phrase “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” quickly became etched in public memory as a symbol of peace restored. Church bells rang, crowds gathered in city squares, and families across the country celebrated the return of hope.
This specific moment in time would soon become a national focal point for remembrance and gratitude, laying the foundation for a formal observance.
The First Armistice Day Observance in 1919
Presidential Proclamation by Woodrow Wilson
One year after the armistice, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring November 11, 1919 as the first national celebration of Armistice Day. His message was one of honor and reflection:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died…”
Though not yet a federal holiday, this initial observance included:
- Parades in major cities
- Church services for peace
- Moments of silence at 11 a.m.
- Civic ceremonies across towns and schools
Communities from coast to coast paid tribute to the soldiers of the Great War, embedding a culture of remembrance into the American tradition.
Establishing Armistice Day as a Legal Holiday (1938)
Congressional Action
For two decades, November 11 continued to be celebrated informally, especially by veterans’ organizations like the American Legion. The growing public recognition of WWI veterans eventually led to Congressional action.
In 1938, Congress passed legislation making Armistice Day a federal holiday, specifically to honor veterans of World War I and to promote the ideals of peace.
This act firmly tied the holiday to the legacy of World War I, acknowledging the conflict’s immense cost and significance in shaping the modern world.
The Role of WWI Veterans in American Society
The First Generation of Modern Veterans
World War I veterans were the first large-scale group of returning American soldiers from a foreign war. As they reintegrated into civilian life, their presence influenced:
- The growth of the American Legion (founded in 1919)
- Expansion of veterans’ benefits, including early medical care and pensions
- Public policy on military service, particularly around training and support
Their advocacy also laid the groundwork for future veteran protections and helped popularize the idea that military service deserved lasting recognition.
Monuments and Memorials: Remembering the Great War
The Rise of Public Commemoration
After World War I, communities across the U.S. erected thousands of monuments, plaques, and memorials dedicated to local soldiers. Cities renamed parks and roads after fallen heroes, and war memorials became civic landmarks.
Notably, in 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in Arlington National Cemetery. It houses the remains of an unidentified American soldier from World War I and serves as a powerful symbol of national mourning and gratitude.
These memorials helped institutionalize remembrance and played a key role in shaping the solemn and reflective tone of what would later become Veterans Day.
From Peace to Inclusion: The Seeds of Broader Recognition
Expanding Beyond WWI
Though Armistice Day was originally intended to honor WWI veterans, new global conflicts would soon expand the meaning of military service in the public’s eyes.
- World War II (1939–1945) brought in over 16 million new American veterans.
- The Korean War (1950–1953) added another 5 million.
The sheer scale of these subsequent wars—and the sacrifices made by those who served—led many to argue that Armistice Day should honor all veterans, not just those from one war.
The Transition to Veterans Day in 1954
Legislative Evolution
Responding to public sentiment, veterans’ groups and lawmakers called for a change. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation amending the 1938 act that had established Armistice Day.
The law changed the name to Veterans Day, broadening its scope to include all American veterans—past, present, and future.
The roots of the holiday, however, remained tied to World War I. The decision to keep the date—November 11—was a direct homage to the original armistice that inspired the observance.
WWI’s Enduring Influence on Veterans Day
Why WWI Still Matters
Even though the holiday now honors all veterans, World War I remains the symbolic origin of Veterans Day. The war:
- Introduced America to large-scale international combat
- Created the first national movement to honor returning soldiers
- Defined the template for military recognition and remembrance
In many ways, WWI veterans were the pioneers of the modern veteran experience in America. Their efforts in organizing, lobbying, and memorializing set a cultural and legislative precedent that is still followed today.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Veterans Day, as Americans know it today, would not exist without the historic and emotional impact of World War I. The war that ended on November 11, 1918, gave rise to a culture of commemoration and respect for military service that has expanded over generations.
Though many decades have passed, and other wars have shaped the national conscience, the legacy of World War I remains foundational. It gave the United States its first collective experience of global conflict, sacrifice, and gratitude toward its service members.
That is why, each year on November 11, Americans not only honor today’s veterans—they also remember that it all began with a ceasefire in a railway carriage in France, and a new resolve to never forget those who serve.
