Congress originally set aside Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to recognize those who fought in World War I. It was on Nov. 11, 1918, at the 11th hour that the end of the war took effect. In proclaiming the day in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson said the day’s reflections “will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”

The original concept included public gatherings, parades and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m. when the armistice took effect.

Congress made the day official in 1926, and in 1938 it was made a federal holiday, which it continues to be.

Through the efforts of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the supreme allied commander in Europe during World War II, Congress renamed the holida

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