World War I drew to a close on November 11, 1918, four years after it started. The "war to end all wars" began because Archduke Franz Ferdinand had been assassinated. His death had a ripple effect that brought 26 different countries into an all-out, deadly war, killing 41 million civilians and military personnel.

First World War

The United States became one of those 26 countries in 1917, changing the tide. The Germans signed an armistice on November 11th at Compiegne, which launched a ceasefire.

The war was officially ended by the Treaty of Versaille, June of 1919. But, unfortunately, as history would show, Germany never really backed down and entered into a war unlike any other years later, with unspeakable horrors.

However, November 11th officially became Armistice Day, which eventually morphed into Veterans Day, where the world would recognize and celebrate those who have served and are currently serving.

Start of A Tradition

On November 11, 1920, Armistice Day was celebrated publically for the first time. In similar Veterans Day fashion, people gave speeches, rode in parades, enjoyed drinks, and told war stories. Finally, when the day hit the 11th hour, everything stopped across the entire nation in reverence.

Congress made it an official day in 1926, and it became a Federal Holiday in 1938. However, veterans wanted it changed to Veterans Day in 1954, so it honored veterans who fought in all wars. President Eisenhower and Congress agreed.

For a bride moment, 1968-1975, Veterans Day went from November 11th to the fourth Monday in October. After that, thee remembrance day was moved back to its original date, where it still sits today.

Every year on November 11th, the country honors those who have served in all of the wars in America's history and those who are still fighting to maintain our freedoms today.