Metro East Sun

Veterans Day has been observed in the United States since November 11, 1919, as a way to honor those who have served in the military. The holiday began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I when fighting ceased between Allied countries and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, it was meant to commemorate what was hoped to be “the war to end all wars,” and is still held annually on November 11.

The first celebration was started by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, featuring parades and a brief pause in business at 11 a.m. Today, Veterans Day is marked by parades and events that show support for those who have served.

Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt has shown his support for veterans by filing HB1421, known as the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. The bill would require employers to give veteran employees 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.”

Schmidt was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’s 114th House District in 2023, succeeding LaToya Greenwood.

The Illinois House Republicans also recognized several caucus members who are veterans: 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).

The public is encouraged to participate in community events or parades this Veterans Day and thank veterans for their service.