Although World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, fighting ceased seven months earlier on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month. “The War to end all wars” ceased on what became known as Veterans Day in 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson first commemorated the Great War’s armistice 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…
To honor the history of Veteran’s day take a look at some of the World War I manuscripts and personal papers housed in Special Collections and University Archives:
- Paul L. Palmer memoirs
This collection includes Palmer’s memoirs of experiences while working for the YMCA at U. S. Army posts during World War I. - World War I posters
This collection features twelve large French posters from World War I.
Learn More
In addition to World War I resources, Special Collections and University Archives preserves and provides access to manuscripts and personal papers from those who fought in the American Civil War and World War II as well.
Ask an Archivist for more information about these collections or our other resources.
Source
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. “History of Veterans Day.” U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.