Veterans Day
As many people across the United States pay special recognition to our country’s veterans, we thought it appropriate to look at the history of this annual holiday, both nationally and at ECU.
Veteran’s Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and is observed on November 11th each year. The holiday is dedicated to honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
After the end of the World War I, memorials were held around the country to honor the soldiers who died in line of duty. The first ceremony was held on November 11th, 1919, more specifically during the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This day was originally named “Armistice Day” by President Wilson, and parades were held annually to honor the Veterans of World War I.
After World War II, at the urging of U.S. veterans, Armistice Day was renamed “Veterans Day” in order to honor American veterans of all wars. Veterans Day was made an official federal employees holiday on June 28, 1968.
Over the years, people have adopted a variety of traditions in relation to Veterans Day, one being the wearing of red poppy flowers. According to the American Legion website, a poem entitled “In Flanders Field” was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while he was on the front lines. In this poem, red poppies symbolized the blood shed during wartime battles. Because of this, red poppy flowers are considered a symbol of remembrance for those who died in wars, and are famously worn on Veterans Day.
ECU observes Veterans Day each year with a campus-wide event, such as a memorial service or parade. To learn more about ECU’s history with Veterans day, please see the pictures below or browse our collection guides.
ECC president Leo Jenkins wears a Veteran’s Day poppy, three other men stand by. 1965. East Carolina University Digital Collections. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/8643
Photograph collage of Air Force ROTC cadets marching in Veterans Day Parade. 2006. East Carolina University Digital Collections. https://digital.lib.ecu.ecu/65975