11/11/2023
Veterans Day, a U.S. holiday traditionally celebrated on November 11th each year, is meant to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. Veteran’s Day coincides with celebrations around the world commemorating the anniversary of the end of World War I. It is distinct from the U.S. holiday Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who have died while carrying out their duties.
Many municipalities hold a Veterans Day parade comprised mostly of veterans from various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Others typically hold a 2-minute silence around 2:11 PM, so all states and Puerto Rico can take part simultaneously. All State and Federal flags are lowered to half-mast.
Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is formerly known as Armistice Day and is still celebrated as such in many European countries. It is meant to honor the Armistice, or agreement, signed between Allied forces and Germany at 11:00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. It is historically seen as the end of World War I.
Armistice Day was first celebrated in the U.S. on November 11, 1919 at the behest of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, who stated: “… 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 nations.” Armistice Day became a national holiday in 1938. In 1954, Congress replaced Armistice with Veterans.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
World War I was also the catalyst for the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Following the resolution of World War I, in 1921, the U.S. Congress approved the building of this memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The memorial was meant as an additional honor to soldiers who served in the Armed Forces but whose bodies were never identified. A distinguished but unidentified solider is buried at this memorial to symbolize the sacrifice of all soldiers, regardless of race, creed, or gender.
An enduring tradition of the Tomb is that there is always a guard from the Armed Forces patrolling the memorial. This practice is known as “walking the mat” and is considered one of the highest honors bestowed on an officer of the Armed Forces. Guards do not wear any insignia of rank so as not to outrank the Unknown Soldier.
Veteran Rights and Benefits
While treatment of veterans has improved significantly over the past century, there is still a long way to go. Homelessness is still a significant concern for veterans in CT, as is poverty. Mental and physical disabilities continue to be more prevalent among veterans than the statewide averages. There are also disparities in the experiences of women, LGBTQ+, and veterans of color. These groups report poorer physical and mental health, higher prevalence of trauma from their service, and have higher rates of su***de compared to other veterans.
