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On Wednesday, November 11th, America will recognize Veterans Day.
Across America’s states and territories, there are over 18 million living veterans.
In Michigan, I am one of the state’s nearly 500,000 living women and men who served.
Here is a brief history of Veterans Day.
As World War I ended in 1918, an armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th month on the 11th day.
President Woodrow Wilson decreed in 1919 that November 11th at 11 a.m. to be recognized as Armistice Day.
In 1921, at Arlington National Cemetery, the body of an unknown World War I veteran was Interned at the Tomb of the Unknown.
Congress in 1938 made November 11th a legal holiday dedicated to world peace, known as Armistice Day.
In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law H.R. 7786 renaming the holiday to Veterans Day honoring all American veterans.
Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service.
Other Nations Which Recognize Veterans Day incluse America's next-door neighbor Canada also recognizes this annual day on Nov.11. They refer to this date as Remembrance Day.
The We Are the Mighty web site profiles the following nations which also honor their veterans:
Australia and New Zealand - a combined tribute established in 1926 and recognized on April 25th
Belgium - referred to as the "Last Post" which at the end of each day with a bugle call at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.
France - also on November 11th with French nationals wearing black or dark clothing
Germany - called Volkstrauertag and celebrated the Sunday closest to November 16th
Israel - established in 1963 and varies during April and May dates to avoid falling on Shabbat
Italy - recognized on November 4th
Netherlands - called Veteranendag recognizing troops deployed to Afghanistan and established on the last Saturday in June
Nigeria - first recognized on November 11th, but later moved to January 15th to recognize the end of the nation's civil war
Norway - recognized since 2011 with annual tributes on May 8th
Sweden - a neutral nation which honors its United Nations troop deployments each May 29th
United Kingdom - called Remembrance Day frequently showing Flanders Fields red poppies on November 11th
This Nov. 11 tributes will be offered, flags will wave, and parades will occur.
A hand salute to all of you who have served.
This Veterans Day, may I encourage you to recognize those who have served.
Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for various newspapers, magazines, and social media sites. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the Secretary of the Navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.