1945 WorldWar II ended. The first celebration using the term, “Veterans Day,” occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, when RaymondWeeks, a WorldWar II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day” to include a parade and other festivities to honor all veterans. President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation, stating: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible." The UniformHoliday Bill was signed, which changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date of November 11th. 1971 The nation’s first Veterans Day was observed, although with much confusion since a great number of state legislatures, all major veteran service organizations, and citizens felt that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance. 1975 President Ford signed Public Law 94-97, returning the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11th, beginning in 1978. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day on November 11th not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. 1947 1954 1968 ME D I CA L QUA L I T Y A S S UR ANC E | F L O R I D A V E T E R A N H E A L T H H E R O E S 0 4 1939 WorldWar II began, requiring the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the nation’s history.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAzNzA4