The History of Veterans Day

History of Veterans Day

Taken from https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  The article photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day.  In attendance with him Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts 

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

GET CONNECTED TO THE RESOURCES YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Join the VWEC at the Cedar Valley, Veteran Resource Fair on Wednesday, November 8th, from 10AM-2PM.  The College has invited more than fifty providers to support this event and provide access to a wealth of resources for Veterans.

Resource Fairs provide a great opportunity to network and collect a vast amount of information in one location. These fFairs place the services many Veterans need right at their fingertips and most providers are able to answer questions and provide vital information on the spot.

Often times Resource Fairs are overlooked, the perception is that the services will always be there; and thereby, creating a missed opportunity to connect.  The truth is funding is always changing and that means access and/or availability to services is constantly changing.  Don't miss your opportunity to connect to the services you need to succeed.  Make time to visit each provider, collect their contact information and follow up on services you are interested in receiving before they are gone.    

Connecting You Is What We Do: Get Connected! Check our calendar and social media regularly for upcoming resource fairs that regularly provide a one-stop-shop of available Veteran services. 

Texas Veteran Business Summit - Closing Out National Veteran Small Business Week

Women Veterans here's a great opportunity to support your peers and close out National Veteran Small Business Week with a great opportunity to network and secure information to take your business to the next level.

Join Momentum Texas at the Annual Texas Veteran's Business Summit the signature event of their Tex Vet Biz Program. The organizer rave that three hundred veteran entrepreneurs are expected to attend and have the opportunity to listen and learn from fifteen nationally known veteran entrepreneurs.

The Opening Session will feature Robert Kaplan, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the Lunch Keynote will be given by Dr. Larry Hughes, a West Point graduate and Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-11.

The event will feature a host of female veterans beginning with Kelly Moore, Marine Veteran and motivational speaker who will present the Plenary Session. 

The Explorer session in the morning will feature three Women Veteran Entrepreneurs beginning with the moderator, US Navy Veteran, Naikai Butler, founder of the Hearing Services of North Texas and former DFW Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year 2015. The Explorer track will feature presentations by Sheila Steinmark, US Army Veteran and founder of Marketing Operations Inc,  Tamiko Baily, US Air Force Veteran, founder and CEO of Bailey's Premier Servicesas as well as US Army Veteran, Tania Martin-Marcato, the 2016 Veteran Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch (VEEP) contest winner of $5,000.

Veterans in attendance will once again be able to vote on their telephone at lunch and select the 2017 Veteran Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch (VEEP) contest winner, who will receive a $5,000 prize. The event price includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Connecting You Is What We Do: Get Connected! - Learn more about Momentum Texas Inc and their entrepreneur programs at http://www.momentumtexas.org/

Momentum Texas, Inc. A 501(C) non profit helping returning veterans start a business, job training, and access to capital to grow their business.

he Tex Vet Biz Program empowers veterans who wish to start or grow a business by providing them entrepreneurship training programs to increase their chance of success.  In the last 5 years MTI has trained over 2,000 veterans throughout Texas under the Tex Vet Biz Program and its predecessor the DFW Veterans Business Assistance Program.  MTI training options include a 5 day "Jump Start Your Business" course developed by the Kauffman Foundation; 1 day entrepreneurship boot camps focused on management, marketing, and money; and 1 day business summits in three major cities with a plenary session, a luncheon speaker and two concurrent sessions with 3 tracks for startup businesses, emerging business owners and major contractors.

Celebrating National Veteran Small Business Week

Did you know, it was just three years ago, when we celebrated the first National Veterans Small Business Week, November 3-7, 2014. On November 7, as part of the first National Veterans Small Business Week, then First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on a special episode of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “Shark Tank,” featuring veteran entrepreneurs and their business ideas. The Big Idea concepts has continued each year on a smaller scale, but still supporting Veteran entrepreneurship.

This year, we are celebrating National Veterans Small Week, Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, 2017.  The U.S. Small Business Administration's theme "Moments that Matter" has taken form as local, regional and national programs gear-up to honor, support and celebrate Veteran entrepreneurs. Click here to find and Register for a MyVetBiz event near you.

In the post below issed by the SBA, they outline this year's strategy, their commitment to Veteran entrepreneurs and opportunities to connect in your area.  Connecting You Is What We Do: Get Connected! Take advantage of these unique opportunities to recognize and support veteran owned businesses.

SBA Celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week 2017 Oct. 30 through Nov. 3

Release Date: 

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Release Number: 17-66

Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate veteran, service member, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs during National Veterans Small Business Week, Oct. 30-Nov. 3.

“Veteran-owned businesses are a critical pillar of the U.S. economy as they contribute more than $1.14 trillion to the nation’s annual total sales and receipts,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said. “Through entrepreneurship and business ownership, these veterans continue their service by not only contributing to the economy, but also by creating economic opportunities for other Americans. The moments that matter for veteran entrepreneurs matter to us as well, and SBA is proud to celebrate, honor, and support them.”

Throughout the week, SBA district offices, resource partners, and local communities across the U.S. will host local and virtual events focused on access to capital, federal and commercial procurement opportunities, and entrepreneurial training. From Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot courses to webinars and workshops, there will be various opportunities to participate in NVSBW 2017.

On Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. EDT, SBA will host a Twitter chat, “Business Tips for Veteran Entrepreneurs.” Tune in to the conversation by using the hashtag #MyVetBiz.

“From officially opening a business to making a revenue goal, there are so many moments that matter during a veteran’s entrepreneurship journey,” said Barb Carson, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. “This year’s NVSBW is such an exciting opportunity for SBA to celebrate these moments that matter while highlighting the ways SBA is here to support each incredible journey.”

NVSBW 2017 will also feature two events in Houston and Miami, respectively, focused on disaster assistance for local veteran-owned small businesses affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. At these events, SBA will connect VOSBs with local resources and share information on SBA’s disaster assistance program to help these companies rebuild, and develop a business continuity plan.

SBA encourages veterans, service members, Reserve and National Guard members, and military spouses to share the moments that matter during their journey in business ownership using #MyVetBiz, joining SBA and local stakeholders in the ongoing online conversation.

For more information about NVSBW, including events and ways to get involved, visit www.sba.gov/myvetbiz. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit www.sba.gov/ovbd.

Breakfast with a Banker - Summer Series

Our Summer Series of "Breakfast with a Banker" offered the opportunity for women Veteran entrepreneurs to join an early morning informal conversation about business banking. They had the opportunity to lead these conversations by bringing their most intimate concerns related to building financial relationships and identifying/securing the right financial support for their business.

We launched this series with our partners at Legacy Texas, a commercially oriented, North Texas community bank serving local entrepreneurs, businesses and families for more than 60 years. With over $8 billion in assets and 44 locations in 19 North Texas cities, they are one of the largest locally based banks in the area.

While their numbers are significant, their customer relationships are even more important. Demonstrating a consistent belief in their customers': goals, dreams, and ambitions for tomorrow.

Since 1952, Legacy Texas has been doing whatever it takes to support their customers as they advance in business and life. Take this opportunity to sit across the table and have an intimate conversation about the importance of developing a productive banking relationship for you and your business.

Connecting you is what we do and this was first of a series of partner connections brought to you by the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center.  Breakfast with a Banker will launch again January 2018, get connected now to receive early registration notices: 

GET CONNECTED!

(The Legacy Texas overview is compiled from their website data at https://www.legacytexas.com/about/index.html)

Groundbreaking Ceremony & Women Veterans Day 2017 Celebration

Southern Dallas is no stranger to making history, but this year’s historical events are especially significant as the groundbreaking for the first Women Veterans' Enterprise Center is accompanied by the first Women Veterans Day celebration, being held at the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) in southern Dallas (4900 South Lancaster Road).

This full day of activities, will kick-off at 8:00 a.m., with the official Groundbreaking Ceremony featuring an overview of the Center, testimonies from female Veteran business owners and statements of support from political, corporate and community leaders. The Center will host the Women Veteran and Small Business Luncheon highlighting their respective contributions to their industries and communities. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program will commence promptly at 12:00 p.m.

The day will end on a high note, with a Women Veterans Day Reception, commemorating this first annual event in the State of Texas acknowledging the June 12, 1948, "Women's Armed Services Integration Act," which enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Armed Forces. This day provides a dedicated time to educate, validate and celebrate the contribution of women Veterans.

Our female Veterans have served our country with honor and now it’s time for us to serve them! You can be a part of this historic event, setting the stage for Women Veterans Day 2018, which will mark the 70th Anniversary of the, "Women's Armed Services Integration Act."

You don’t want to miss this day to remember as history is made in southern Dallas.