We all know what Veterans Day is, but not everyone knows why we celebrate it. Some might confuse this holiday with Memorial Day. They are both about veterans but they are very different. Veterans day is celebrated to honor the soldiers who fought in wars and survived. However Memorial Day is a day for us to honor the soldiers who passed away. We honor the service that they provided for our country.

It took a couple years for Veterans Day to become a national holiday. Before it was declared a holiday, many people who had family members who fought in wars would celebrate them. On June 4th, 1926 Congress officially passed a concurrent resolution with these words: “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 good will and mutual understanding between nations ….” However, Congress didn’t state that Veterans Day was considered an official holiday across the United States until May 13th 1938 when a congressional act made it an official holiday. A congressional act occurs when a bill is passed in identical form by both the Senate and the House, and is then sent to the president for their signature. If the president signs the bill, it becomes an official law. 

       In the states of Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Tennessee this bill allows people to have work off for the day. As you can see, there are not many states that enforce this. However, a lot of schools let the children have the school day off. Some schools also show their respect by having lessons on this topic.

     The word ‘Veteran‘, to Americans, elicits the thought of bravery, sacrifice and patriotism. A veteran is a person who has had significant experience and expertise in an occupation or particular field. In conclusion, veterans are very vital, and we should always celebrate and honor them.