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)🧵
A black-and-white, vintage street-level photograph shows a dense crowd of men and women wearing hats. One man in military uniform stands near the center, raising a hat in celebration. The background features buildings and a street scene.

ALT A black-and-white, vintage street-level photograph shows a dense crowd of men and women wearing hats. One man in military uniform stands near the center, raising a hat in celebration. The background features buildings and a street scene.

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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.
A black and white photograph captures a large ship crowded with sailors in uniform, lining the decks. An American flag waves proudly in the upper left. The sailors are gathered tightly, looking toward the camera or out to sea.

ALT A black and white photograph captures a large ship crowded with sailors in uniform, lining the decks. An American flag waves proudly in the upper left. The sailors are gathered tightly, looking toward the camera or out to sea.

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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.
A black and white photograph captures a large, diverse crowd of people lined up along a city curb, enthusiastically waving American flags. The crowd, wearing period attire, watches a parade in front of a building labeled \"HAAS SOEURS.\"

ALT A black and white photograph captures a large, diverse crowd of people lined up along a city curb, enthusiastically waving American flags. The crowd, wearing period attire, watches a parade in front of a building labeled \"HAAS SOEURS.\"

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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.
A black-and-white photograph shows the 369th Infantry Regiment band, posing on a ship deck. A conductor stands in the foreground, while numerous soldiers in uniform hold various musical instruments.

ALT A black-and-white photograph shows the 369th Infantry Regiment band, posing on a ship deck. A conductor stands in the foreground, while numerous soldiers in uniform hold various musical instruments.

A black and white high-angle shot shows soldiers marching in formation down a city street, flanked by dense crowds of cheering onlookers. American flags hang from buildings, and a banner reads \"OUR HEROES WELCOME HOME\".

ALT A black and white high-angle shot shows soldiers marching in formation down a city street, flanked by dense crowds of cheering onlookers. American flags hang from buildings, and a banner reads \"OUR HEROES WELCOME HOME\".

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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.
Black-and-white photo of President Dwight D. Eisenhower sitting at a desk, signing a document. He is surrounded by ten men in suits and ties, watching him closely and smiling. The setting appears to be a formal office with flags in the background.

ALT Black-and-white photo of President Dwight D. Eisenhower sitting at a desk, signing a document. He is surrounded by ten men in suits and ties, watching him closely and smiling. The setting appears to be a formal office with flags in the background.

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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/
A black-and-white, angled shot of a crowd of soldiers in uniform standing on the deck of a ship, viewed from behind. They are looking out across the water at the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The ship's rigging is visible on the left.

ALT A black-and-white, angled shot of a crowd of soldiers in uniform standing on the deck of a ship, viewed from behind. They are looking out across the water at the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The ship's rigging is visible on the left.

Nov 11, 2026 · 3:30 PM UTC

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