History of Veterans Day
Day of honor founded in Kansas
Before anyone had heard (or even thought of) Veterans Day, Nov. 11 was known as Armistice Day. Each autumn, people in multiple countries honored those who served in World War I, which, at that time, was by far the most horrific armed conflict in history. But Armistice Day grew into something more when Al King, a shoe repairman in Emporia, Kansas, led a drive to honor all servicemen who served in times of war and peace. King had been too young to serve in World War I, though by some recollections, he attempted to join the Navy at age 15 as the war drew to a close.
King had been actively involved with American War Dads during World War II. He and his wife, Gertrude, helped raise their young nephew, John Cooper. Cooper, who served as part of the Third U.S. Army in Germany, was killed in action on Dec. 20, 1944. Al's quest began as a way to honor his beloved nephew's sacrifice.
The Emporia Chamber of Commerce backed King after determining that 90 percent of Emporia merchants and the Board of Education supported closing their doors on Nov. 11. King was named general chairman of an All Veterans Day Committee that included representatives from Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, War Dads and AMVETS. King also contacted a U.S. Representative from Emporia, Ed Rees, to help him with his idea. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill that established Veterans Day as a national holiday.
The first Veterans Day was held on Nov. 11, 1954. On Oct. 31, 2003, Congress declared Emporia the Official Founding City of Veterans Day.
Though Veterans Day was once moved to the fourth Monday in November, the official celebration was eventually returned to Nov. 11, where it remains today.
Regardless of the date, the most important part of Veteran's Day is how we honor those who courageously served their country during good times and bad. They truly make this the land of the free and the home of the brave.
