Veterans day can be traced back to the end of World War I.
The Allied powers a signed a cease-fire agreement with Germany at Rethondes, France on Nov. 11, 1918, bringing the great war to a close.
The Armistice (which means a suspension of hostilities by agreement) was celebrated in the streets. As documented by the Library of Congress, Massachusetts shoe laster James Hughes described the scene in Boston: "There was a lot of excitement when we heard about the Armistice … some of them old fellas was walkin' on the streets with open Bibles in their hands. All the shops were shut down. I never seen the people so crazy … confetti was a-flying in all directions … I'll never forget it."
Latest Videos From
WWI veteran Andrew Johnson recalled arriving home the following spring: "We were given a bonus of $60, an honorable discharge, and the 368th Infantry regiment became a part of history."
Between the wars, Nov. 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day in the United States, Great Britain, and France. After World War II, the holiday was recognized as a day of tribute to veterans of both world wars.
Beginning in 1954, the United States designated Nov. 11 as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.
Follow Life's Little Mysteries on Twitter @llmysteries. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
Live Science Plus
