FOR RELEASE:  Nov. 7, 2008
CONTACT:  Chelle Somsen, (605) 773-5521

State Historical Society shares brief history of Veteran’s Day

PIERRE, S.D. – In recognition of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, the South Dakota State Historical Society offers a brief history of the holiday.

“Veteran’s Day is an opportunity to recognize those individuals who served their country during times of war,” said Chelle Somsen, State Archivist. 

The basis of Veteran’s Day has its roots in World War I. Veteran’s Day originated from Armistice Day, the day which commemorated the end of the First World War (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month).  Armistice Day received its official name by a Congressional Resolution on June 4, 1926, and the day became a national holiday on May 13, 1938.

In November 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill making November 11 Veteran’s Day -- a day to celebrate not only the end to the First World War, but a day to remember all veterans of American battles.

In June 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill was passed to change Veteran’s Day to the fourth Monday in October. The intent of the bill was to allow three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays, including Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and Columbus Day.

The celebration of Veteran’s Day was returned to November 11 beginning in 1978 and it has been there ever since.     

The State Archives is a program of the South Dakota State Historical Society and is located in the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The State Archives is open Monday through Friday and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact the archives by phone at (605) 773-3804 or by e-mail at archref@state.sd.us

The museum in the Cultural Heritage Center is open 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Veteran’s Day. Veterans of the wars of the 20^th Century are honored in the “Changing Times” gallery. In recognition of the holiday, all veterans will receive free admission.