Veterans Day Published Nov. 4, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Veterans Day honors and recognizes the personal sacrifices put forth by previous generations of servicemembers and our current servicemembers. Nov. 11 is the day in which America recognizes contributions made to our nation by servicemembers, past and present. The federal holiday, originally called Armistice Day, was proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, by former President Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson said, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both 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." Seven years later, June 4, 1926, the U.S. Congress requested that former President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe Nov. 11 with appropriate ceremonies. May 13, 1938, a Congressional Act designated Nov. 11 as the holiday. Armistice Day became officially known as Veterans Day June 1, 1954. Through the years, Veterans Day has never lost its meaning, especially to those who sacrificed in any way for the good of their nation. The holiday is a humbling experience reminding Americans, young and old, of what has been given to protect our freedom.