By Michelle Woodbury
Official recognition of the end of the first modern global conflict, and the beginning of national acknowledgment of the World War I veterans took place in a resolution enacted by Congress on June 4, 1926.
'WHEREAS the 11th of Nov. 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and WHEREAS it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and WHEREAS the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared Nov. 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it resolved by the Senate, That the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Nov. 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.'
The Act was approved and Nov. 11 was selected as a national holiday, a day dedicated to the cause of world peace and celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day. '
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I.
In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in the Nation''s history, and American forces fought in the Korean War, the 83rd Congress, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting the word 'Veterans. '
The approval of this legislation took place on June 1, 1954. Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first 'Veterans'' Day Proclamation.'
With this, he designated an Administrator of Veterans'' Affairs and organized a Veterans'' Day National Committee in charge of planning specific ways in which Americans can participate in the observance of the holiday.
In addition, Eisenhower requested the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the government to assist the National Committee with this new assignment.
On June 28, 1968 the Uniforms Holiday Bill was signed to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Monday: Washington''s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans'' Day and Columbus Day.
It was thought these extended weekends would encourage travel recreation and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production.
Many states disagreed with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on the original days. Americans celebrated the first Veterans'' Day on Oct. 25, 1971 with a great deal of confusion.
President Ford signed a public law returning the annual observance of Veterans'' Day to its original Nov. 11 date in 1978. He said it was apparent the commemoration of the day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance.
Last year on Veterans'' Day, President George W. Bush proclaimed Nov. 10 through Nov. 16 National Veterans Awareness week.
He urged all Americans to recognize the sacrifice of U.S. veterans through appropriate public sacrifice and private prayers.