Armistice Day was created after the close of World War I, on November 11, 1918. It was officially recognized by Congress on June 4, 1926, and became an official holiday on May 13, 1938. The holiday was set for November 11 of each year. It was originally created to celebrate the veterans of World War I, but later, the name was changed to Veteran's Day, and the day came to celebrate veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict as well as World War I.

Today, Veteran's Day has become a little-recognized, little-celebrated holiday. It is seen more for a day off from work and school than a day to honor those that have served us so selflessly. I believe that it should be much more widely recognized; that Americans should take more pride in celebrating the courage of all those who fought for their freedom. More than that, it is a celebration of a hope for peace. It began that way after World War I, and people hoped to never again see an armed conflict of such magnitude. World War II and the Korean Conflict dashed those dreams. However, today there is a renewed hope for peace, and Veteran's Day is a day in which we can celebrate that hope. Through Veteran's Day, this dream of peace can be passed on from generation to generation.

Veteran's Day should be a day when all of us reflect upon what our veterans have done for us. It is a day to show that we're proud of them, to display Old Glory proudly upon each home and business. It is a day to thank our veterans for helping give us our freedom. It is a day to think upon how to best preserve peace, and pass our hope for peace on to future generations. It is a day to celebrate all that America stands for: life, liberty, and undying hope. ~ Davey Hoffman

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