World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty
of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier
when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany
went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month it was determined
that 11/ 11 is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day
with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with
solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the
victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has
given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and
a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent
resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive,
sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of
the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never
again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated
with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will
and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to
be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives),
that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the
officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11
and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or
other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.