when did armistice day become veterans day

Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day in 1954, when a federal law changed the name of the November 11 holiday to honor all American veterans of all wars.

Key date

• On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the 1938 Armistice Day act by replacing the word “Armistice” with “Veterans,” making November 11 a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

• President Dwight D. Eisenhower then signed the bill and issued a proclamation later in 1954, formally establishing the modern observance of Veterans Day.

Why the change happened

• Armistice Day originally marked the end of World War I and mainly honored WWI veterans and the restoration of peace.

• After World War II and the Korean War greatly expanded the number and sacrifices of U.S. service members, veterans’ organizations pushed to broaden the holiday to recognize veterans of all conflicts, leading to the 1954 renaming.

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