World War I known originally called “The Great War” officially ended on June 2, 1918, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in France. However, the fighting had ceased seven months before that when the Armistice was signed between the Allied Nations and Germany. The Armistice went into effect then on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, so that day was regarded as the end of “The war to end all wars”. The day of this celebration dedicated to the cause of peace was made a legal holiday in 1938 and was officially named, Armistice Day.

After World War II and the Korean War, in 1954, Congress amended the title to be Veterans’ Day so as to include all veterans. Veterans’ Day is always celebrated on November eleventh regardless of the day of the week.

That day preserves its historical significance to honor all American veterans for their patriotism, love of country and their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

May we all continue praying for peace,

Kathleen Cogan, OSB