Veterans, We Thank You

Today, several of the US Mint’s military coins help us remember, honor and thank the many veterans who have fought for this great country.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month initially honored the Armistice of World War I.

Later, the day became known as Veterans Day.

For a time, our government moved the day to a Monday in October, however people wanted to remember the significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

In 1975, President Ford approved legislation to keep and honor the significant day in November.

From his papers:

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Statement on Signing a Bill Re-designating November 11 as Veterans Day.

September 20, 1975

I have signed into law today S. 331, a bill which will return the annual observance of Veterans Day from the Fourth Monday in October to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.

This action supports the expressed will of the overwhelming majority of our State legislatures, all major veterans service organizations, and many individuals.

Under a law enacted in 1968, the fourth Monday in October was designated for the observance of Veterans Day.

Since that law took effect, it has become apparent that the commemoration of this day on November 11 is a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens.

It is a practice deeply and firmly rooted in our customs and traditions.

Americans have appreciated and wish to retain the historic significance of November 11 as the day set aside each year by a grateful nation to remember and honor those, living and dead, who fought to win and preserve our freedom.

I believe restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 will help preserve in the hearts and lives of all Americans the spirit of patriotism, the love of country, and the willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good symbolized by this very special day.

Gerald R. Ford.

 

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Public Law 94-97 — 94th Congress

An Act To re-designate November 11 of each year as Veterans Day and to make such day a legal public holiday .

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, effective January 1, 1978, section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking out—”Veterans Day, the fourth Monday in October.” and inserting in lieu thereof—”Veterans Day, November 11.”.

Approved September 18, 1975.

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Thank you to all veterans—those that have passed and those still among us.

We appreciate you.

Thank you Veterans