Special day to commemorate: Veterans Day

Every year on November 11th, the United States celebrates Veterans Day and dresses its streets and buildings with American flags. But do you really know the origin of this celebration and what is commemorated?

It is very common for this celebration to be confused with ‘Memorial Day’, however there is a key difference between these celebrations. Both days honor all those who risked their lives for the country, however ‘Veterans Day’ honors those who are still alive.

The origin of Veterans Day dates to the end of World War I after the Allies withdrew their troops from Germany, ending the war on November 11, 1918.

After the end of World War II, veteran Raymond Weeks suggested that this day not only commemorate soldiers who participated in World War I and II, but also veterans of any other combat. But it was not until 1954 that ‘Armistice Day’ legally became Veterans Day.

This day is celebrated with tributes, parades, and ceremonies; however, the most important celebration is the ceremony at the grave of the unknown soldier, in the cemetery of Arlington, Virginia, a few minutes from Washington, D.C. As its name indicates, it is about an unidentified soldier of the First World War in the square of the then new Memorial Amphitheater in 1921.

The white marble sarcophagus has three Greek figures carved into the side representing Peace, Victory, and Courage. There are also six crowns, three carved on each side, representing the six major campaigns of World War I. On the back of the grave is an inscription that reads: Here rests in honor and glory an American soldier known only to God.

 The cemetery houses the graves of more than 400,000 people, most of whom served in the military.