November 11, 1918 sparked the origins of Armistice Day. It was on that date that the Armistice (truce) was signed by the Allies and the Germans, ending the four years of conflict of World War I. This day began not only with the laying down of arms, but also with much celebration of the promised peace in the form of blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, and closing of places of business. Demonstrations were made all over the world. In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. The last paragraph set the tone for future observances: “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 nation.” In 1927 Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the Flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches. But it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill stating that each November 11 “shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.” That same year President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For 16 years the United States formally observed Armistice Day, with ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Chief Executive or his representative placed a wreath. In many communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I. Leaders of veterans’ groups decided to make November 11 the day to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I. On November 11, 1953 the town of Emporia, Kansas held a Veterans’ Day observance instead of an Armistice Day program. This was so well-received that a bill was introduced into the House to officially change the name of the holiday to Veterans’ Day. After this bill passed, its author wrote to all state governors and asked for their approval and cooperation in observing the changed holiday. The name was officially changed to Veterans’ Day by an Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. In October 1954, President Eisenhower recognized the change of name to Veterans’ Day in honor of the servicemen of all America’s wars, and called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly to gain an enduring peace. While some wars have been very unpopular, that emotion is based on political positions and should not ever reflect on the nation’s warriors that fight the battles. Our service men and women serve the political class, and don’t make the decisions of what battles to fight. They simply “do or die,” and deserve the appreciation of all citizens for the sacrifices they make.