Armistice Day, as November 11 became known, officially became a
holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12
years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans
Day to honor all U.S. veterans. In 1968, new legislation changed
the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday
in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11
was a date of historic significance to many Americans.
Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its
traditional date. Official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day
center around the Tomb of the Unknowns. To honor these men,
symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an
Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps
day and night vigil. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color
guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms”
at the tomb. The nation’s tribute to its war dead is symbolized
by the laying of a presidential wreath and the playing of
“Taps.” Congress voted Ar