FORT CARSON, CO – JUNE 15: A soldier salutes the flag during a welcome home ceremony for troops arriving from Afghanistan on June 15, 2011 to Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

What is Veterans Day?  Veterans Day falls on November 11 every year.  Originally called Armistice Day and marking the end of World War I, the date was first observed in the US on November 11, 1919 on the first anniversary of the end of the first World War.  In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day which is the national holiday that we observe each year on November 11.  

Here are some interesting facts about Veterans Day:

  • Whereas Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for those who died in service, Veterans Day is a day to honor those who served honorably, both living and dead.
  • Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States.
  • In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
  • Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November).
  • In Europe and Great Britain it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11 as World War I formally ended on November 11th, at the 11th hour.
  • Arlington Cemetery hosts a memorial ceremony on Veterans Day each year to honor all who died in war.
  • Today there are about 24 million veterans living in the United States.
  • Of those veterans, 35% served in the Vietnam War and 8% are women.

At The Original Pancake House in Denver, we are so thankful for the service of all our Veterans.  On November 11, we will honor our Veterans and salute their valiant efforts to protect our country.  Here’s to you, Veterans!  Happy Veterans Day!