On November 11, 1918, the guns of World War I fell silent.
For nearly 2 million American Soldiers still in France, the fighting was finally over.
But their journey home would help shape a tradition that continues more than a century later: Veterans Day. (1/6)🧵
Nov 11, 2026 · 3:30 PM UTC
When America entered WWI in 1917, the U.S. Army had just 133,000 active-duty Soldiers.
By the war's end, more than 3.6 million joined the ranks.
Bringing them home would become the largest demobilization effort in American history up to that point.
Over the following year, more than 2 million American service members sailed home from Europe.
Across the country, communities welcomed returning Soldiers with parades, celebrations and cheering crowds.
On February 17, 1919, New York City welcomed home the legendary 369th Infantry Regiment.
A month later, 2 million spectators lined the streets to watch 20,000 Soldiers of the 27th Division march through the city.
One year after the fighting ended, America observed its first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. The day became a national holiday in 1938.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed it Veterans Day to honor all Americans who served in the military.
What began as a day to remember the end of World War I became a lasting commitment to honor all who have worn our nation's uniform.
This Veterans Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice and service of every American Veteran.
Read more: army.mil/article/296662/
My maternal great uncle was gassed to death near the very end of The Great War. My grandfather's brother, and my mon's uncle #WWI #WW1
Ernest Coleman Purks (1888-1918) 🫡#VeteransDay #Veteran #VFW #Veterans #WAR
👉findagrave.com/memorial/1277…
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On Veterans Day, bear in mind it is not just their service to be honored.
It’s their experience and knowledge to be valued.
Col. Hugh Percy, 5th Regt. of Foot, after the action of Lexington, Concord and Menotomy, April 19, 1775:
“During the whole affair, the rebels attacked us in a very scattered, irregular manner, but with perseverance and resolution, nor did they ever dare to form into a regular body. Indeed they knew too well what was proper, to do so. Whoever looks upon them as an irregular mob, will find himself very much mistaken. They have men amongst them who know very well what they are about, having been employed as rangers against the Indians and Canadians, and this country being very much covered with wood, and hilly, is very advantageous for their method of fighting.”
You don’t go to war if you don’t know how to go to war.
Their ranks and leadership were filled with combat veterans of the French and Indian War. No small part of why we have a free nation.








































