Veterans Day, since November 11th, 1919, has been celebrated annually in the United States as a way to show gratitude to those who have selflessly served in one of the branches of the United States military.
The holiday grew out of the commemoration of Armistice Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs says, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was to have been the end of “the war to end all wars,” and is observed annually on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week that date falls.
President Woodrow Wilson inaugurated the first celebration in 1919, with parades and a brief break in business starting at 11 a.m.
Veterans Day continues to be boldly celebrated through parades, commemorative events, and more to proudly show our support and thanks to those who bravely stepped up and wore the uniform to defend our freedoms.
State Representative Kevin Schmidt supports our veterans and filed HB1421 that creates the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act and requires employers to provide each employee who is a veteran with a paid day off on Veterans Day.
“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they made to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today,” Rep. Schmidt stated. “My bill is pretty straight forward and would award employees, who provide documents verifying they are a veteran, a paid day off work to celebrate Veterans Day, plus this bill creates an income tax credit to employers who provide a paid day off to their veteran employees.”
The Illinois House Republicans are proud to honor the service of our Caucus members who served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces; Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud), Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona), Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville), Rep. Dan Swanson, (R-Alpha), Rep. Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville), and Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City).
This Veterans Day, take the time to attend a community event or parade and thank a veteran for their service to our nation.