Commems Collection Modern: In Honor Of Veterans Day

Today, November 11, is a Federal holiday in the United States that is designated to recall and honor those who have fought for / served their country through military service. (The day should not be confused with Memorial Day, which is specifically meant to honor those who died in service to their country.) The remembrance of a nation's soldiers is not limited to the US, however, as nations around the world have chosen to honor their military veterans.

The roots of the day can be found in Armistice Day, a day meant to honor those who fought and died in World War I. The first Armistice Day in the US was observed on November 11, 1919; the United Kingdom and France first honored their WWI veterans via burial of an "unknown soldier" on November 11, in 1920.

Why November 11? The fighting in World War I came to an official end on November 11, 1918 - the "eleventh hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month" - when an armistice (cessation of fighting) between the Allies and Germany went into effect. The Day of Honor is linked to this historical event.

Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in the US in 1954 via Public Law 83-380 - signed by US President Dwight David Eisenhower. The 1954 law amended the US law enacted in 1938 that created a legal US holiday "to honor veterans of World War I and promote world peace." The change expanded the scope of the day to include all veterans as, unfortunately, world peace did not "stick" after World War I.

Shown here is the 2019 American Legion Silver Dollar. The American Legion is an organization designed to honor and support America's veterans. It was established in 1919, soon after the conclusion of World War I, and celebrated its centennial in 2019.

Thank you to all who have served!

2019 American Legion Centennial Silver Dollar