Veterans Day in the U.S. is celebrated each year on Nov. 11. It is a day to honor and thank all military who served in the United States Armed Forces.  

It is also the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, which ended World War I. 

According to time.com, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On Nov. 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. President Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude and victory.”  

In 1954, the veteran’s service organizations urged Congress to change the word “armistice” to “Veterans.” Congress approved the change on June 1, 1954.

Many veterans belong to an organization known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The All American VFW Post #6310 meets in Tolleson, AZ. Some of their programs include: Voice of Democracy, an essay contest for High School Students; Buddy Poppy, the distribution of Buddy Poppy’s throughout the area; Patriots Pen; an essay contest for elementary students; an honor guard, and POW/MIA Main Come for Me, prisoner of war and missing in action activities.