The following is a cross-post from the U.S. Census Bureau Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day to honor all those...

Hello everyone, it’s great to be here with all of you. Thank you, Chasity, for that kind introduction. Today we honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform and remember the sacrifice of those who fought and died to keep America safe. To our veterans across the armed forces – thank you. Regardless of whether you served at home or abroad − we are deeply grateful to you and your families...

Thank you, Tiffany, for that kind introduction. And thank you, Roseal and the Veterans Day Planning Committee, for organizing this important event. As the Secretary said, today we honor the memory of our veterans who fought and died to protect our nation. This year’s theme is the Centennial Commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – the unknown men and women in uniform who made the...