“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 nations...”
- President Woodrow Wilson, Address to Fellow Country-Men, White House, November 11, 1919*, opens a new window
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of November--the 11th month-- of 1918, the Great War (World War I) came to an end with an armistice agreement, opens a new window between the Allied Powers and Germany. The anniversary of that day, would become known as Armistice Day and eventually evolved in 1954 into today’s Veterans Day, a federal holiday that is meant to honor all U.S. veterans, opens a new window of the uniformed services, whether they served in wartime or peacetime. The same year that the holiday's name changed, President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation., opens a new window
Note: while the two may seem similar, Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day, which is held on the last Monday in May and honors those who died in battle or after injuries sustained in battle. Click here to learn more about Memorial Day, opens a new window.
Every year, communities throughout the United States recognize Veterans Day in a wide range of ways, including ceremonial observances, parades, displaying the flag, and more. The day is also used as an occasion to reflect on the impact veterans' service has had and to acknowledge the challenges they may face upon returning home or transitioning into civilian life.
Local events include:
- Operation Greenlight, opens a new window (Stafford - 10/24-11/11/24)
- USMC Veteran's Day events series, opens a new window (National Museum of the Marine Corps - 11/7-11/9/24)
- 3rd Annual Spotsylvania County Veterans Day Celebration, opens a new window (11/9/24)
- Veterans Day Procession, opens a new window (Fredericksburg - 11/11/24)
Other events may be found through the Veterans Administraton website., opens a new window
In addition to these commemorations, local radio station B101.5 has compiled a list of Veterans Day Deals, opens a new window for 2024, available to veterans and active military personnel.
Learn more about the history of Veterans Day, how to commemorate it, the lives of veterans, and resources that can support them with the resources below:
Check out the resources on this list to learn more about our local veterans and how life can look from their points of view.
CRRL's Military Answers, opens a new window page has online resources to connect veterans, military personnel, and their families with assistance, both in daily living and as they work to achieve their goals in education, business, transitioning to the private sector, finding housing, and finding their way after years of a military life. This page has websites and lists of books that can act as guides. For additional help on a topic, please contact, opens a new window one of your librarians.
