The Eleventh Hour on the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month—Where Will You Be?
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Armistice is an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time— a truce.
Unlike most federal holidays, Veterans Day is observed on a specific date for a very important reason. On November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent as the armistice ending the fighting in World War I took effect.
Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.
Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day–a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
- In 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
- In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. The law went into effect in 1971, but in 1975 President Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11, due to the important historical significance of the date.
- Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
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Drew and Christine Morgan are experienced REALTORS® and longtime Mid-Peninsula real estate professionals based in Belmont, California, where they own and operate MORGANHOMES, Inc. They help buyers and sellers navigate important real estate decisions with experienced guidance, thoughtful strategy, and highly personalized service. Their achievements include RE/MAX’s prestigious Diamond Club Award, recognition among the Top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide, and ranking among the Top 3 in Northern California.
To speak directly with Drew or Christine, call (650) 508-1441 or emailinfo@morganhomes.com.
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This article provides educational information and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered real estate, tax, insurance, or legal advice; it cannot replace advice tailored to your situation. It’s always best to seek guidance from a professional familiar with your scenario.
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The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.