Americanism: Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Americanism:  Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Veterans Day

In 1926 Congress declared November 11 as the date to celebrate the anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1938 Congress passed an act that named the day Armistice Day and made it a legal holiday.

In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged there had been two other conflicts since 1926 (World War II and the Korean War), and changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. He called upon all American citizens to observe November 11 as Veterans Day and said

“On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain. I also direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on Veterans Day.”

Read more about the history of Veterans Day on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website here: http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Remember – Veterans Day honors ALL veterans, both dead and living. It’s a day to honor those who have served in the military. This is a good time share with those in your community the differences between Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is a great opportunity to say “thank you” to all our veterans and their families. Many Auxiliaries will participate in parades, school programs and/or host free meals for veterans at their Post. Should the need arise, there are sample speeches for Veterans Day programs behind member login under Program & Publicity Resources.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is Wednesday, December 7. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This is an excellent opportunity to host a remembrance ceremony at your Post or speak to students about the honor, sacrifice and dedication of America’s “Greatest Generation” and the “date which will live infamy” that pushed America into World War II and changed Hawaii and America forever.

I encourage you to visit the following websites for information about the attack on Pearl Harbor and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day educational resources, activities and events:

• Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary: https://pearlharbor75thanniversary.com/
Official website commemorating National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Includes event schedule, information on Pearl Harbor-related national historic sites, visitor information, teacher resources and more!

• National Park Service: World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument: https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm.
Official website of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, home of the USS Arizona Memorial. Includes history, visitors information, educational resources and more.

Thank YOU for what YOU do, today and every day, for our veterans, their families and our amazing organization. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.