Veterans Day, formerly known as “Armistice Day,” originated in the countries of the Allied Powers to universally recognize the end of World War I.
A congressional resolution in 1926 officially recognized Armistice Day in the United States. Nearly 21 years later, a second world war broke out in Europe. In 1945, World War II came to a conclusion as Allied Forces had successfully defeated the tyrannical ambitions of the Axis Powers led by Nazi Germany.
Two years later, the first official “National Veterans Day” festivities took place in the United States, which occurred in Alabama.
World War II veteran and Alabamian Raymond Weeks on November 11, 1947, organized the nation’s first Veterans Day parade in Birmingham. A few years after, it would go on to become an annually recognized day to commemorate the service of the U.S. Armed Forces.
In 1954, the U.S. Congress passed a bill signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially enshrining the day as a federal holiday to recognize the sacrifice of those who had served the United States in uniform.
The Yellowhammer State’s elected leadership on Thursday took to social media to honor the service of the nation’s heroes who answered the call to defend the freedom of its people.
Happy Veterans Day! We salute those who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces for their service, sacrifice and patriotism. May God bless our veterans and their families. ?? pic.twitter.com/qXyIzA1z3U
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 11, 2021
As chair of the Military Stability Commission, I work each day to make Alabama the nation’s most friendly state for veterans and active service members. We must give back to those who have given us so much. Many thanks to all veterans who wore a uniform to protect our freedoms. pic.twitter.com/5sVTNbbaqk
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) November 11, 2021
On #VeteransDay, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, we commemorate the service, sacrifice, and immeasurable contributions of our nation’s veterans, who have proudly, faithfully, and bravely defended—in wartime and in peacetime—the United States and our freedoms. pic.twitter.com/Q5REFJaOwR
— Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) November 11, 2021
Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, placing the needs of our nation above their own. We are forever indebted to all American soldiers who answered the call to serve. Their bravery and selfless sacrifice will not be forgotten. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/wO2VgwDNCf
— Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) November 11, 2021
Our veterans were there when their country needed them the most, and our flag continues to wave because of their sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/9qRy7Uk9T5
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) November 11, 2021
On this #VeteransDay2021, I hope you'll join me in honoring the sacrifice & service of our men & women in uniform. America is the greatest nation in world history b/c so many have been willing to put their lives on the line to protect & defend freedom & liberty. God bless them. pic.twitter.com/ki4vUWcP4u
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) November 11, 2021
Today and every day we thank our veterans for defending the freedoms we hold dear. I pray God's blessings on every veteran in Alabama and our nation. Happy Veterans Day! pic.twitter.com/xwRQbM9pFr
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) November 11, 2021
Today, we pause to show our respect to the many men and women who have answered the call to serve in our nation’s armed forces. THANK YOU to all our veterans for your service to our great nation. Happy Veterans Day! pic.twitter.com/r9r17XPM5t
— Jerry Carl (@CarlForAlabama) November 11, 2021
We must remember that our freedom is not free – It is only possible because of the sacrifices made by the incredible men and women who have served our nation.#VeteransDay2021 https://t.co/cIHpImiqEs pic.twitter.com/tb0EWOulAW
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) November 11, 2021
Today we honor the service and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have fought to protect our country and our freedom. Let's express our thanks and appreciation to the veterans in our lives today. Our country owes much to their service. #VeteransDay2021 pic.twitter.com/Fpm5vEiIfv
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) November 11, 2021
Please join me in thanking all those who courageously sacrificed to keep our nation safe, strong, and secure. Today and every day, our veterans & their families deserve our gratitude and support.
Happy #VeteransDay to all the veterans in #AL07 and across this nation!?? pic.twitter.com/9pSIFqwh0M
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) November 11, 2021
From the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley, day in and day out veterans contribute to the successes of Alabama. Whether by way of community service or their commitment to further strengthening United States national security through Alabama’s defense industry, veterans continue to forge a safer and more prosperous society for all Americans.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
