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NATIONAL VETERANS DAY IN BIRMINGHAM
All of these memorial observances took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11:00 AM on November 11, 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That day became known as Armistice Day and was officially recognized in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. Twelve years later, in 1938, it became a national holiday by similar Congressional action. If World War I had indeed been "the war to end all wars", November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But shortly after the holiday was proclaimed, World War II broke out in Europe and shattered the dream of world peace. Over 16,500,000 Americans took part in this conflict, and 406,000 died. The families and friends of those lost in World War II wanted a way to honor their memory as the nation had done in 1926.
Armed with a very persuasive argument to support his plan, Mr. Weeks headed a small delegation to Washington to present the proposal to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was then serving as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. With a favorable reception from the General, Veterans Day was adopted and the first Birmingham celebration was held on November 11, 1947. For a period of seven years, the Birmingham Committee, along with members of government and veterans organizations across the nation worked to officially change the name of Armistice Day. Legislation was proposed by Congressman Edwin K. Rees of Kansas and in 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day and he called for Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
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The observance of National Veterans Day dates back to 1921 when an American
soldier, his name known only to God, was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the
Potomac River and the City of Washington. The burial site of this Unknown Soldier from
World War I in Arlington Cemetery represented dignity and respect for America's veterans.
Similar ceremonies had occurred earlier in England and France where an Unknown Soldier was
buried in each nation's highest place of honor.
In
Birmingham, Alabama, an energetic, patriotic citizen conceived the idea of
establishing a day to honor the veterans of all wars in which the United States
had been engaged. The man who conceived the idea and served as Director of the
Birmingham National Veterans Day program for 38 years was Mr. Raymond Weeks.