How Veterans Day earned its name

In 1921, an American Soldier — his name “known but to God” — was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. The Arlington National Cemetery burial site of this unknown World War I soldier became the personification of dignity and reverence for America’s veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an Unknown Soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe).

These memorial gestures all took place on Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918, (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as Armistice Day.

Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action.

If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “The war to end all wars,” Nov. 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But shortly after the holiday was proclaimed, World War II broke out in Europe and shattered the dream. Sixteen and a half million Americans took part. Four hundred and six thousand died. The families and friends of these dead longed for a way to honor their memory.

To honor veterans of all wars, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day.

Bonner County Veterans will honor our fellow veterans and their families in different ceremonies (check with your local veteran posts). Sandpoint veterans will hold their ceremony at War Memorial Field at 11 a.m. today, as is traditional.

Traditional Veterans Day potluck dinner will be held at 1 p.m. (1300) today at the Sandpoint VFW at 1325 Pine St. at 1 p.m.

Coming soon: The search for the history of Sandpoint Veterans that served in World War I. I have a list of 83 Sandpoint High School students who served.

• Bill Stevens is commander of VFW Post 2453