Veteran’s Day 2022

Celebrating Our Nation’s Veterans

By: Carl Block, Esq.

November 11, 2022

On November 11, 2022, the California courts will be closed in honor of Veterans Day. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served our country in war or in peace, and we are grateful for their dedication to duty, honor, and the dignity they displayed through their service to America.
Veterans Day was originally named Armistice Day, in honor of the signing of the armistice that ended World War 1 on November 11, 1918. Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, Sixty Ninth Congress, passed June 4, 2026, requested the President of the United States issue a proclamation calling or the display of the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and for the observance of the day with ceremonies to express our gratitude for peace and our desire for the continuance of friendly relations with all other peoples.

On Armistice Day in 1945, President Truman’s proclamation recognized that it was a fitting time to honor the heroes of World War 2. He called upon the people of the United States to observe November 11, 1945, as Armistice Day by recalling the valor and sacrifices of those Americans who brought victory in 1918, and by dedicating themselves to the building of an enduring peace among the countries of the world.

In 1954, after the Korean War, the 93rd Congress amended the previous law, striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “’Veterans” to honor American veterans of all wars. That same year, President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation which stated “I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the Unite States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.

In the 1981 Veterans Day Presidential Proclamation, President Ronald Regan continued the trend of recognizing all veterans. President Regan proclaims “The willingness of our citizens to give freely and unselfishly of themselves, even their lives, in defense of our democratic principles, gives this great Nation continued strength and vitality. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, through war and peace, valiant Americans have answered the call to duty with honor and dignity.”
A very small percentage of current living adults in the United States have served in the military. A very small percentage have been called to serve with duty, honor, and dignity to help achieve our nation’s vital military objectives.

Last weekend, I went to watch the annual Army – Air Force football game. I sat at a table with a Vietnam veteran. He told me some of the stories of his fellow airmen . . . friendships that grew, sights they saw, and sacrifices they made. I was humbled by the stories he told about duty, honor, and dignity. If you should have the opportunity, seek out a veteran, thank them for their service, and take the time to listen to their stories. You will be touched, and you will come away with a much greater understanding of what it means to be an American who has answered the call to serve with duty, honor and dignity.