Veterans Day

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on the 11^th of November. It originally recognized the beginning of the armistice at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918 that ended World War I.

President Woodrow Wilson issued a message on the first anniversary of the armistice:

Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.

WOODROW WILSON – The White House November 11, 1919

A congressional act in 1938 made November 11^th each year a legal holiday: "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

A bill was signed into law in 1954 by then President Eisenhower, replacing Armistice Day with Veterans Day. The correct spelling as attributive (no apostrophe) rather than possessive – according to the Department of Veterans Affairs “it is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.”

The United States is not alone honoring veterans on November 11^th each year. Most Commonwealth countries observe Remembrance Day while many European countries continue with Armistice Day.

An American veteran is any person who served in the armed forces without a dishonorable discharge. Serving in combat is not required to be a veteran. Veterans come from the Army National Guard, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Air National Guard, and Space Force (and their reserve components). Since 1973, all US veterans volunteered for their service. Some countries provide financial support to their disabled and retired veterans, but the United States uniquely provides veterans with tuition assistance, vocational training, mortgage, medical, and other benefits. 

American veterans continue to serve the nation and the ideals of the Constitution long after their military service. Nearly sixty percent of the government workforce (politicians, first responders, and administrators) are veterans. Whether in the Reserves or National Guard, or as civilians, veterans are been at the forefront of responding to the pandemic, natural disasters, and community crises. Veterans bring leading professional and technical skills to the worldwide workforce.

Please join us to honor all veterans, and to appreciate those in our Schiller family. Our veterans bring valuable insights and experiences as students, faculty, and staff that enrich our campuses. We are proud of their accomplishments, recognize their sacrifices, and commit to enriching their futures.

On behalf of President Muñiz and Schiller International University, thank you to our veterans for your courage, strength, and commitment.