MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Veterans Day has its origins with Armistice Day, which marked the end of the 1st World War.
John Hall at UW Madison says today and Memorial Day are uniquely American commemorations
“But these are days in which we don’t celebrate America’s great martial accomplishments. These are days in which we reflect upon service and sacrifice, and those reflections made depending upon the moment make the nation more or less willing to prepare for the common defense in the years to come,” Hall said.
Armistice Day became a federal observance prior to World War II. Veterans of that and subsequent conflicts also sought recognition, leading to the establishment of Veterans Day in the 1950s.