Veterans Day: More Than Just A Day Off

Veterans Day, which was celebrated on Nov. 11, honors the service of Americans who were a part of the U.S. Armed Forces. Symbolizing the anniversary of the end of the First World War, this holiday takes place on the aforementioned date since the war ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918.

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, originally announced the first Armistice Day for Nov. 11, 1919; a day to celebrate world peace and honor those who served the country. In proclaiming the holiday, he stated,

“To us in America, the reflections of 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 the nations.”

In 1954, Congress changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day to show respect to those who served the country. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May. While the holidays are similar, Memorial Day remembers and pays tribute to the men and women who perished while serving their country in the armed forces.

Veterans Day affects students and faculty at LIU Post far beyond a day to sleep in without classes. “Veterans Day is a special time to show appreciation for all those who have served and are serving to protect our country,” Christina Kotarski, a Junior Education major, said.

Colleen Dreyer, a senior Public Relations major, agreed. “It is important to recognize those who have lost or could have lost their lives for our country.”