It was the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It was the day hostilities ceased in the Great War. It was the day that ended “the war to end all wars.”

It was November 11, 1918. World War 1 was over. The Allies had defeated Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and his allies.

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A year later, in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 Armistice Day. He said, “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…”

In June of 1924, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution, officially recognizing November 11 as the end of WW1, even though the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June 28, 1919.

The resolution read…

‘Whereas the 11th of November 1918 marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far-reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations…”

The people of the United States were invited to “observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”

On May 13, 1938, November 11 was declared a national legal holiday – “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day,” as well as to honor the veterans of WW1.

From Armistice Day to Veterans Day

In 1954, after the Second World War and the Korean War, veterans groups urged Congress to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. Congress agreed. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the following proclamation…

“NOW THEREFORE, I, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. 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.”

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill to move four federal holidays to a Monday. At the time, this included Washington’s Birthday (now known as Presidents’ Day), Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day. But Americans rebelled against the moving of Veterans Day to a Monday as the specific day – November 11 – held patriotic and historic meaning. So, on September 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed into law the return of Veterans Day to November 11.

Why We Celebrate

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day is “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to sacrifice for the common good.”

Military.com declares Veterans Day, “The day is about honoring everyone who has served — past and present — and thanking them for the courage, sacrifice and dedication they’ve shown in protecting the country.”

Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers and pays tribute to service members who died in service to their country, including battle, as well as deceased veterans, Veterans Day is to honor living veterans who served in wartime or peace, as well as the men and women currently serving in the military.

What began as a tribute to the end of World War 1 evolved over the decades as a day to remember and celebrate ALL veterans of ALL wars.

All across America, in towns and cities, events are held to pay our respect and honor to those who wear the uniform and serve our country. The president solemnly lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. It’s an opportunity for all Americans to stand united in appreciation for those who serve.

Thank you for your service.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, we are humbled and thankful for the freedoms we have in the United States. We are mindful of the cost of the liberties we possess in our nation. Thank you for the veterans who have served our country. We honor their service. Heal any wounds they may carry, Lord, physical or emotional. Today, as we remember our veterans and their families, we ask you to bless every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine, and those who serve our country, on active and reserve duty. Help us remember to say thank you to every military person we meet.

Bless their families and the sacrifices they make. May they rely on You in difficult times and in times of separation. Give all who serve and their families courage, wisdom, and strength to do the work you have set before them. Meet their every need.

Protect all who are currently serving the Lord wherever they may be. Protect them from every harm, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. Protect their loved ones from worry and loneliness. May they rely on You. Guide them and give them peace. May they constantly feel Your presence. Lord, and may they know the deep-felt gratitude of our nation for their service.

Lord, watch over our veterans and their families and bless them with peace and happiness. We pray 1 Corinthians 16:13 over them, Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.” – G.K. Chesterton

How are you praying this Veterans Day? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

Belinda Brewster analyzes cultural, political, and world events from a biblical worldview. Belinda’s passion is to equip, support, and encourage parents and grandparents who are courageously battling against the spiritual and cultural forces impacting children and grandchildren. Photo Credit: Bob Smith on Unsplash.