Proposed Changes to Veterans Day and Victory in Europe Day
President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday he plans to rename Veterans Day and Victory in Europe Day.
He wrote he planned to rename Nov. 11 — now celebrated as Veterans Day and a federal holiday — to Victory Day for World War I.
He also said May 8 — now known as Victory in Europe Day — would become Victory Day for World War II, saying the U.S. “did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II.”
“We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” Trump said in the Truth Social post Thursday night.
Breaking News
History of Veterans Day
Congress sets and changes federal holidays.
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to mark 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918, when the Allies and the Central Powers agreed to end World War I. Congress made it a federal holiday in 1938.
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During House debate on the bill to make Armistice Day a federal holiday, U.S. Rep. Bertrand Gearhart, R-Calif., said Armistice Day would “not be devoted to the exaltation of glories achieved in war but, rather, to an emphasis upon those blessings which are associated with the peacetime activities of mankind,” according to congress.gov.
Evolution of Armistice Day to Veterans Day
In 1954 — after World War II and the Korean War — Armistice Day became Veterans Day to honor all men and women who have served in the U.S. armed services. The change was made by Congress at the urging of veterans service organizations, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
May 8, which has been known as Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of fighting in Europe in 1945 when German troops finally lay down their arms. It is not a federal holiday in the U.S., but it continues to be commemorated in the U.S. and Great Britain.
End of World War II and Its Aftermath
After the end of fighting in Europe during WW II, battles continued in the Pacific until fall 1945. This included the atomic bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
On Sept. 2, 1945, Japan officially surrendered. That day is known as VJ Day.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed changes to Veterans Day and Victory in Europe Day have sparked interest and discussion about the history and significance of these holidays. Understanding the origins and evolution of these days can help us appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served in the U.S. armed services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the proposed changes to Veterans Day and Victory in Europe Day:
Q: What is the current name of the holiday on November 11?
A: The current name of the holiday on November 11 is Veterans Day.
Q: What is the proposed new name for Veterans Day?
A: The proposed new name for Veterans Day is Victory Day for World War I.
Q: What is the current name of the holiday on May 8?
A: The current name of the holiday on May 8 is Victory in Europe Day.
Q: What is the proposed new name for Victory in Europe Day?
A: The proposed new name for Victory in Europe Day is Victory Day for World War II.
