The document provides information about Veteran's Day including: 1) The history of how Veteran's Day originated from Armistice Day on November 11, 1918 to commemorate World War 1. 2) How the name changed to Veteran's Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans of all wars. 3) Key dates and events in how the observance of Veteran's Day changed over the years in the United States.

1. USAACE Weekly
Family Update
11 November 2011
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 Veteran’s Day Specials
(Fort Rucker MWR)
2 Did You Know?
History of Veteran’s
Day
3 AAFES Exchange Price
Match Guarantee
“My God! How little do my
countrymen know what
precious blessings they are in
possession of, and which no
other people on earth enjoy!
~ Thomas Jefferson
Join us for the
Fort Rucker Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans Park
10 November from 0830 - 0930
Military MOPS is a new chapel program
Begins – January 5, 2012
Wings Chapel
Call (334) 255-2989 for more information

2. Page 2 USAACE Family Weekly Update
Did you Know? The History of Veteran’s Day
Upcoming 1918 -- World War I, then normally referred to simply as The Great War (no one could
Training/Workshops imagine any war being greater!), ended with the implementation of an armistice [temporary
cessation of hostilities-in this case until the final peace treaty, the infamous Treaty of
Versailles, was signed in 1919] between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the
 15 November – The Thrift eleventh day of November, 1918.
Savings Plan (TSP): The Basics
from 1800 – 2000 at Bowden 1919 -- November 11: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day with the following
Terrace NHC. Register nlt 14 words: "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in
Nov by calling (334) 255- the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both
2594/9631. because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given
America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." The
original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period
 15 & 16 November – Army beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
Family Team Building (AFTB)
Level I from 5:00pm – 8:00 pm 1920 -- On the second anniversary of the armistice, France and the United Kingdom hold
in Bldg. 5700, Rm 371F. Call ceremonies honoring their unknown dead from the war. In America, at the suggestion of
(334) 255-2382 to register. church groups, President Wilson names the Sunday nearest Armistice Day Sunday, on which
should be held services in the interest of international peace.
 15 November – Hunter 1921 -- Congress passes legislation approving the establishment of a Tomb of the Unknown
Education Courses in Adams Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 is chosen for the date of the ceremony.
Hall Rm 120 from 5:30 – According on October 20, Congress declares November 11, 1921 a legal Federal holiday to
9:30pm. To register call (334) honor all those who participated in the war. The ceremony was conducted with great success.
255-4305.
1926 -- Congress adopts a resolution directing the President to issue an annual proclamation
calling on the observance of Armistice Day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, most states
 16 November – Effective establish November 11 as a legal holiday and at the Federal level, an annual proclamation is
Communication Workshop in issued by the President.
Bldg. 5700, Rm 371G from 0900
– 1100. Registration is required 1938 -- Congress passes legislation on May 13 making November 11 a legal Federal holiday,
– (334) 255-3898. Armistice Day. The United States has no 'actual' national holidays because the states retain the
right to designate their own holidays. The Federal government can in fact only designate
holidays for Federal employees and for the District of Columbia. But in practice the states
 17 November – Creative Social at almost always follow the Federal lead in designation of holidays.
the Arts & Crafts Center from
4:30 – 6:00 pm. (334) 255-9020 1941- 1945, 1950- 1953 -- World War II and the Korean War create millions of additional war
veterans in addition to those of the First World War already honored by Armistice Day.
 18 November – Newcomer’s
1954 -- On June 1, President Eisenhower signs legislation changing the name of the legal
Welcome at The Landing from holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day.
0830 – 1030. Childcare
available with advanced notice – 1968 -- Congress passes the Monday Holiday Law which established the fourth Monday in
(334) 255-3735. October as the new date for the observance of Veteran's Day. The law is to take effect in 1971.
1971-1975 -- The Federal observance of Veterans Day is held on the fourth Monday of
October. Initially all states follow suit except Mississippi and South Dakota. Other states
changed their observances back to November 11 as follows: 1972- Louisiana and Wisconsin;
1974- Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, South Carolina, West Virginia;
1975- California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New
Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming
1975 -- Legislation passed to return the Federal observance of Veteran's Day to November 11,
based on popular support throughout the nation. Since the change to the fourth Monday in
October, 46 states had either continued to commemorate November 11 or had reverted back to
the original date based on popular sentiment. The law was to take effect in 1978.
1978 -- Veteran's Day observance reverts to November 11.
www.familiesnearandfar.org

3. USAACE Family Weekly Update Page 3
Turkey Frying Tips
Frying turkey Safety Tips from DPS: During Thanksgiving has become very popular
but is extremely hazardous as there is an open flame and a large pot filled with boiling
oil. Please follow all instructions provided with the turkey fryer. Some simple, but
important rules when frying a turkey or using the fryer:
 Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that
can burn. Never use on wooden decks or in garages.
 Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Never leave unattended.
 Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near
the turkey fryer.
 Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety
goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful
with marinades.
 Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
 Before frying, pat the turkey dry with paper towels to keep the hot oil from splattering and popping.
 Make sure turkey is thawed and dry before immersing in the hot oil.
Protestant Men of the Chapel Bible Study
Thursday at Wings Chapel
1830 – 2030
For more information, call (334) 255-2989 www.easycanvasprints.com