Victor Davis Hanson Explains the True Origins of Veterans Day

The Evolution of Veterans Day

• 🗓️ Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces, distinguishing it from Memorial Day which commemorates those who died.
• 💡 The holiday originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
• 🇺🇸 The name was officially changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to encompass all U.S. wars, not just World War I.

America's Entry into World War I

• 🌍 The U.S. initially maintained an isolationist stance regarding World War I, which began in 1914.
• 📜 President Woodrow Wilson had campaigned on a promise of non-intervention in the war.
• ⚠️ Key factors that drew the U.S. into the conflict included the Zimmerman Telegram and Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, exemplified by the sinking of the Lusitania.

The U.S. Contribution to the War Effort

• 🎖️ The U.S. implemented a draft, mobilizing 4 million people, with 2 million sent to France by the war's end.
• ⏳ The timely arrival of American troops was crucial as Germany, having knocked Russia out of the war, was shifting forces to the Western Front.
• 💥 The infusion of American manpower helped plug gaps and turn the tide against German offensives in 1918, contributing significantly to the Allied victory.
• 📈 The U.S. emerged from the war as a world power with a strengthened military.

The Legacy of Armistice Day

• 🕊️ Armistice Day commemorated the end of World War I and the Allied victory over Germany.
• 📜 The subsequent Treaty of Versailles had inherent flaws, with some predicting it would lead to future conflict.
• 📌 The return to the iconic date of November 11th for Veterans Day is important for remembering America's involvement in major world wars and the sacrifices made by its service members.