President Eisenhower signed the proclamation to rename Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day in 1954, 70 years ago. Each year, Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11th.
Veteran’s Day is observed on November 11th to mark the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. The armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, thus marking the end of hostilities on the Western Front. However, the war did not officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
This day was commemorated as Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I and to remember those who died in the war. However, after World War II and the Korean War, which resulted in many Americans volunteering or being drafted for service, the holiday was renamed Veteran’s Day in the United States to honor and recognize the service of all U.S. military veterans, not just those who died in World War I. This change was made official in 1954 through a bill signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The purpose of Veteran’s Day is to thank and honor those who have served in the military, in wartime or peacetime.
Veteran’s Day Marketing Tips!
Veteran’s Day differs from Memorial Day and is often confused with it. Memorial Day honors the men and women who gave their lives on behalf of the country. Veteran’s Day is in recognition of every member’s service.
- Respect and Authenticity: Approach Veteran’s Day with respect and sincerity, recognizing the significance and sacrifices made by veterans. Avoid over-commercialization that detracts from the day’s true meaning. Promoting Veterans is promoting their service and sacrifice, not promoting war.
- Inclusive Messaging: Craft messages that inclusively acknowledge the diversity of veterans in terms of service branches, roles, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Engage with the Veteran Community: Collaborate with veteran organizations to ensure accurate and respectful messaging and find ways to give back to the community.
- Educational Content: Use your platform to educate your audience about the history and significance of Veteran’s Day, demonstrating commitment beyond promotions.
- Highlight Real Stories: With permission, share authentic veteran stories to add depth to your campaign and emphasize the day’s importance.
- Promotions and Discounts: Offer substantial promotions or discounts to veterans, ensuring they are meaningful and the redemption process is straightforward.
- Avoid Political Statements: Keep messages non-partisan, focusing on honoring military service rather than political affiliations.
- Subtle Branding: Include your brand subtly; the focus should be on honoring veterans rather than promoting products or services.
- Feedback and Responsiveness: Be prepared to respond to feedback, particularly from veterans and their families, and be open to making changes based on their input.
- Year-Round Engagement: Demonstrate support for veterans beyond Veteran’s Day, engaging with and supporting the veteran community throughout the year.
Promoting Veteran’s Day often includes providing free or discount services to Veterans.
To my fellow Veterans… Happy Veteran’s Day!
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