In the last 68 years, Americans have come together on Nov. 11 to celebrate Veterans Day. In other countries, it is known as Armistice Day. On May 13, 1938, Armistice was declared as a legal holiday in the U.S.

According to military.com, it was celebrated as Armistice Day in America until 1954. In 1954, the U.S. government renamed the holiday to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars in which the U.S. fought. In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Act was passed, and it ensured that any federal employee had a three-day weekend. This act also moved Veterans Day from Nov. 11 to Oct. 4. The U.S. Government later passed a legislation act so that all of those who have served in the arm forces veterans could be honored.

On Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law that moved Veterans Day back to its original date of Nov. 11. Later, a resolution passed on Aug. 4, 2001 that started National Veterans Awareness Week, starting on Nov. 11 and ending on Nov. 17. During this week, schools focus on contributions and sacrifices that Veterans have made for America. Communities also get together during the week to show their appreciation for the veterans of America.

Most people get Veterans Day mixed up with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is to honor the soldiers who died from injury or while in active service to their country or died because of injury from battle while serving their country. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to living Veterans that have made it back from active duty.

All around America, every year on Nov. 11, Americans come together to honor all of those who have bravely  served for the United States of America.