This Day in History: Veteran's Day
Veterans Day is celebrated in the United States on November 11 each year, originally known as Armistice Day, to honor military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. This date marks the end of World War I, specifically when hostilities ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the armistice with Germany went into effect. The name change to Veterans Day occurred in 1954 due to advocacy from major veterans' organizations.
For stamp collectors, Veterans Day is a significant date as it coincides with various commemorative stamps released over the years that honor military service and veterans. Collectors might find stamps related to previous Armistice Days or those recognizing the contributions of different military branches and veterans, particularly during anniversary celebrations. These stamps provide historical context and worth to collections reflecting significant moments in U.S. military history.
It is essential to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day, which is a holiday in May that remembers those who have died while serving in the military. Additionally, Armed Forces Day, also in May, honors active military personnel, and Women Veterans Day is observed in many states to acknowledge the service of women in the military. For collectors, the diversity of these holidays offers various angles for thematic collections related to U.S. military history.