Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, began as a holiday to commemorate the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, a cease fire went into effect between the Allies and Germany. Even though The War did not officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed in June of 1919. November 11 is the commonly accepted date for the end of the First World War. This date became known as Armistice Day until 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed the holiday in order to celebrate all American Veterans. More changes were still in store. In 1971, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. Four year later however, they realized Americans were still celebrating in November, and the date was returned to November 11. Below are several of my favorite quotes honoring American veterans.

Freedom is never free. -Author Unknown

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes. -Maya Angelou, Author, Poet

I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.-Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross, Nurse

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. -Elmer Davis, News Reporter, Author

I was there. I saw your sons and your husbands, your brothers, and your sweethearts. I saw how they worked, played, fought, and lived. I saw some of them die. I saw more courage, more good humor in the face of discomfort, more love in an era of hate and more devotion to duty than could exist under tyranny. -Bob Hope, Comedian, Actor

Be a leader, like our nation’s brave veterans, and move to action TODAY.