Each year on November 11, Americans pause to honor those who have served in uniform. But few stop to consider how this tradition began — and how it changed over time. The history of Veterans Day is a story that began in the aftermath of the First World War and was reshaped by the service and sacrifice of the men and women of World War II.
The Origin of Veterans Day
The origins of Veterans Day trace back to November 11, 1918, the date the fighting ended in World War I. The armistice between the Allies and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The world celebrated the end of what had been called “the war to end all wars.”
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, a time for reflection and remembrance. Across the country, schools, churches, and towns held ceremonies to honor the soldiers who fought and fell in Europe’s trenches.
But peace would not last. Just two decades later, a new and even greater war would engulf the world.
World War II Redefines the Meaning of Service
When the United States entered World War II in 1941, a new generation of Americans took up the cause of freedom. Over 16 million Americans served, from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of the Pacific. Their courage and sacrifice dwarfed anything the world had seen before.
The end of World War II in 1945 gave Armistice Day renewed purpose. No longer just a day to mark the end of one war, it became a day to honor the service of all veterans — past, present, and future.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
The official transformation from Armistice Day to Veterans Day occurred in 1954. Following both World War II and the Korean War, Americans wanted a day that honored all who served, not just those from the First World War.
Congress approved the change, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the former Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during WWII, signed it into law. November 11 became Veterans Day — a tribute not only to the end of war but to the enduring commitment of those who defend peace.
World War II’s Enduring Legacy on Veterans Day
The veterans of World War II gave new meaning to the history of Veterans Day. They were the generation that carried the world through its darkest years, then returned home to build the foundations of modern America. They used the GI Bill to gain education, start businesses, and strengthen their communities.
Their service embodied the spirit of Veterans Day — not only the willingness to fight but the determination to rebuild. Even today, as their numbers grow fewer, their stories continue to shape how we understand duty, sacrifice, and remembrance.
The Role of Dog Tags in Preserving History
During World War II, every soldier carried two dog tags stamped with their name, service number, blood type, and religion. These small pieces of metal were vital for identification, but they also became lasting symbols of identity and courage.
At WWII Dog Tags, we recreate these artifacts to preserve the memory of those who served. Each tag we produce represents a life, a story, and a link to history — tangible reminders of the men and women behind the uniforms.
Why the History of Veterans Day Still Matters
Understanding the history of Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is not inherited — it is earned and defended. From the trenches of 1918 to the beaches of 1944, and through every conflict since, the American veteran has stood as the guardian of liberty.
As we observe Veterans Day each year, we honor not only their victories but their enduring commitment to peace. The generation that fought in World War II ensured that November 11 would forever stand as a day of gratitude, remembrance, and respect.
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