Wisconsin Veterans Advocate for Revival of Armistice Day on Veterans Day

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the United States, has been recognized since 1954 to honor military veterans. However, its roots trace back to Armistice Day, established in 1938 to mark the cessation of hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918.

Wisconsin Veterans Advocate for Revival of Armistice Day

The organization Veterans for Peace, particularly its chapters in Wisconsin, is campaigning for a return to the original designation of Armistice Day. They argue that the day should commemorate the end of war rather than celebrate military service.

Origins and Significance

Phil Anderson, a veteran with two decades of service and a member of the Lake Superior Region Veterans for Peace, emphasizes the importance of remembering the pain and horror of World War I on this day. He believes that restoring the name Armistice Day would refocus the observance on peace, a departure from the current patriotic celebration of military service.

Efforts and Perspectives

Phil Anderson has been advocating for the name change for several years.
He notes that many countries still observe similar holidays as days of remembrance and peace.
Anderson acknowledges the slim chance of altering the holiday’s name but remains committed to the peace movement.

While there are missions among veterans’ organizations that mention promoting peace, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), communication regarding this specific issue has been limited. Anderson expresses a desire for closer relationships with both the American Legion and VFW to explore common ground.

Changing Perspectives on Holidays

Anderson points out that the meanings of holidays evolve over time. For example, Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day, focusing on honoring those who fell during the Civil War. Similarly, Mother’s Day began as a celebration of peace before transforming into its current commercialized form.

This ongoing dialogue about the significance of Veterans Day and its historical context continues to highlight the need for a broader understanding of peace and remembrance in national observances.

By advocating for a revival of Armistice Day, Wisconsin veterans seek to shift focus from glorifying military conflict to honoring the sacrifices made for peace.