Today, 11/11/2016 is Veterans day. Veterans day is always on Nov 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on. Originally the day was called Armistice day, which celebrated the first anniversary of World War II. Even though the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June 28, 1919, Nov 11 remained the day the war ended to the public eye. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 that made Armistice day a annual observance and then later became recognized as a national holiday in 1938. 1938 is also when the 83rd United States congress passed the 1938 act that crossed out Armistice and replaced with it with Veterans. On June 1, 1954 president, Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation that now recognizes November 11 as a day to honor all American veterans.

The Veterans celebrate by having parades across the nation that start at the 11 hour of the 11 day of Nov. Veterans celebrate at the 11 hour because on Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. is when the armistice ended World War I. The most recognizable celebration of Veterans day is the official wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The Tomb of the Unknown opened on Nov 11, 1921, it honors all the dead soldiers who could not be found. People also celebrate Veterans day by wearing red poppy seed flowers or yellow ribbons to honor those who are serving or who have served.

Veterans day and Memorial day are often confused according to the U.S department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial day is the fourth Monday of May and honors the veterans who were killed or injured in battle. Veterans day celebrates all veterans; living, dead, those that have served, those that are serving. Everyday should be veterans day. Men and women sacrifice their life for our freedom, to make sure we feel safe as a nation. This Veterans day make sure you say thank you to a veteran.