Every year, on November 11, the United States celebrates the armistice that ended the First World War, as in many countries that were involved in this conflict. But across the Atlantic, the celebration is a little different. Americans do not celebrate the dead or the memory, but rather all veterans who served in the war, in recognition of their service.
Historically, Americans were the first to celebrate November 11, in 1919. President Woodrow Wilson declared the day Armistice Day. 35 years later, on June 1, 1954, Congress made the decision to change the name of the memorial day to: Veterans Day. Why this change? The idea of a Kansas shoe salesman, Alfred King. For him, November 11 must celebrate all veterans by not limiting them to those who were present from 1914 to 1918, a decision that was eventually accepted by Dwight D. Eisenhower.
What to do on Veterans Day in New York?
Every year in New York, the biggest celebration takes place: the New York Veterans Day Parade. Since 1929, thousands of people have gathered. For the 2024 edition, 20,000 participants are expected, at 12:30 pm for the start of the parade, which is expected to leave from Fifth Avenue, from 26th Street to 48th Street. You will find soldiers, tanks and musical groups there. The French Veterans Federation will also participate.
Veterans Day is also an ideal day for people who like to shop: many brands and stores offer promotions – sometimes very generous – on a wide range of products.
Veterans Day 2024, commemorations organized by France
How is November 11th celebrated elsewhere in the world?
Many other countries also celebrate November 11 with public holidays. This is the case of France, Belgium, and Canada, where this date is known as Remembrance Day, as a tribute to fallen soldiers. In the United Kingdom, celebrations are also held, including two minutes’ silence. However, the day is not a public holiday.
2024-11-10 17:06:00
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