Be sure to thank a veteran on Nov. 11

The Beaucoup Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution wish to acknowledge Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2021.

Veterans Day has gone by many names since its inception on Thursday, Nov. 11, 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. An armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I.

The following year in, 1938, Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States and was commemorated in many countries as well. After WWI and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day.

Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation, June 1, 1954, to honor all American veterans of all wars. Then, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which included three other holidays. Therefore, Veterans Day was celebrated on Monday, Oct. 25, 1971.

In 1975, it became evident that by a historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald Ford signed into new law returning the observance of Veterans Day to Nov., 11, 1978.

Do not confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Memorial Day recognizes service members who died in service to their country. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans - living or dead.

Please be sure to "thank" a veteran.

- Judy Atteberry, Beaucoup Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution