Discover the Top 11 Astonishing Fun Facts About Veterans Day You Never Knew

1. "Bush League" Pioneer

Did Washington state ever tell you about its first date? Well, let's just say it was a "Bush league" move: The first African-American or possibly South Asian American pioneer to the region, George W. Bush, settled in what became present-day Washington after leaving Missouri, a slave state that limited land ownership for non-whites. Despite later exclusion laws in the newly formed Oregon Territory, Bush and his family were able to keep their land, thanks to the support of the Washington Territorial Legislature and Congress, showcasing the tenacity of early Pacific Northwest settlers.
Source => loc.gov

2. Armistice Day Evolved

Before Netflix and chill, there was the Great War and armistice: Veterans Day, originally dubbed Armistice Day, marked the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, but was renamed in 1954 to celebrate and honor veterans who've served in all American wars on this now recognized federal holiday.
Source => hgtv.com

Did you know Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day? Discover the heartfelt tradition behind this special occasion and how it has evolved over time. 🌹🇺🇸

=> Fun Facts about Memorial-Day

3. Eisenhower's Veteran Tribute

Move over, Armistice Day, there's a new celebration in town: In 1938, Armistice Day was established as a legal holiday in the U.S. to be observed on November 11th each year. However, it took a presidential helping hand from Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 to transform it into Veterans Day, expanding the honor to all U.S. military veterans, not just the World War I heroes.
Source => presidency.ucsb.edu

4. Patriotic Fashion Statement

When fashion meets patriotism, you've got yourself the world's most exclusive runway show, but it's not just about the stars and stripes: Monty Little, a Diné veteran of the United States Marine Corps, designed the 2021 Google Doodle for Veterans Day, showcasing a 3D American flag sculpture with six camo patterns interwoven into the stripes, symbolizing how veterans are seamlessly integrated into our nation's fabric.
Source => 9to5google.com

5. Statue of Liberty's Happy Tears

When the name change was as monumental as the statue of liberty shedding a tear: Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1919, until President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially transformed the holiday in 1954 to include all servicemen and women, making November 11th an annual celebration of gratitude for all veterans' incredible dedication and sacrifices.
Source => uso.org

6. America's Parade in the Big Apple

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a Manhattan miracle of patriotic proportions: The New York City Veterans Day Parade, known as America's Parade, has been marching its way through the Big Apple since 1919, making it one of the longest-running and largest events of its kind, boasting over 20,000 participants and 400,000 spectators each year, while also honoring the brave living servicemen and women of the United States.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Veterans Day Unwavering Date

As the clock strikes 11 on the 11th day of the 11th month, Veterans Day says "hold my beer" and refuses to budge its date for any pesky weekdays that may try to rain on its parade: The steadfast Veterans Day is always officially observed on November 11, regardless of the day it falls on during the week, with the National Ceremony honoring all American veterans who've proudly served in the military.
Source => va.gov

8. Star-Spangled Memorial Ceremonies

When Uncle Sam throws a party, you'd better believe it's a star-spangled spectacle: The U.S. Army Military District of Washington sponsors two major remembrance ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, each attended by around 5,000 red, white, and blue-blooded visitors, eager to pay homage to the brave men and women who have served their country with speeches, wreath-laying, and even presidential addresses.
Source => arlingtoncemetery.mil

9. Parade-Man Raymond Weeks

If Raymond Weeks were a superhero, he'd be Parade-Man, the relentless crusader for soldier appreciation armed with the power of perseverance and a penchant for street spectacles: This Navy veteran from Birmingham singlehandedly lobbied to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, even roping in General Eisenhower's support, before launching the nation's oldest and largest Veterans Day parade that continues to draw thousands of grateful citizens each year.
Source => alabamalegacy.org

10. Hidden Heroes' Memorial

Nestled somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle of DC, where streets, avenues, and highways conspire to confuse drivers, lies a little-known memorial to our nation's unsung heroes: The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is situated on a 1.72-acre triangular parcel, designed by Michael Vergason and dedicated by President Barack Obama on October 5, 2014. The memorial boasts five poignant elements – a star-shaped fountain, a reflective pool, a "Wall of Gratitude," the "Voices of Veterans" exhibit, and a grove of commemorative trees.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. A Veteran's Discount Feast

Feeling peckish, soldier? You may have never chowed down with Uncle Sam, but next Veterans Day, prepare to feast like a true patriot: Many restaurants offer free or discounted meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day, with options ranging from 110 Grill to Hurricane Grill and Wings. Just flash your valid military ID to unlock deals beyond gastronomy – travel, retail, and recreation discounts also await your truly, brave troops! Don't forget to verify any proof of military service required and each establishment's participation before embarking on your mission to devour these delectable deals.
Source => military.com