October 31, 2005
 

Veterans Day Activities Planned for WISD Schools 

November 6-12 is National Veterans Awareness week.  During this time, many WISD schools will be holding special events to commemorate this historic day. 

On November 11, 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was signed between the Allied nations and Germany to halt fighting in World War I.  It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that this document was agreed upon to end The Great War. 

To honor this important date, in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared that Armistice Day be observed on the 11^th day of November to pay tribute for all those who served during World War I.  In June 1926, Congress officially recognized it as a national holiday.     

It wasn’t until 1954 that Congress declared November 11 to be Veterans Day.  In the wake of World War II and Korea, Congress, along with President Eisenhower, felt it was important not only to recognize those who fought in World War I, but anyone who fought in any war at any time.   

Today, Veterans Day is observed on November 11, no matter what day of the week.  It is not only a day to remember those who fought to protect our country, but also a day to encourage peace, patriotism, and the willingness to serve for a greater cause.   

This year there will be various activities held in honor of Veterans Day.  For a complete list of WISD Veterans Day activities, please refer to the district daily calendar of events.