250 Years of Service: Armistice Day and the Origins of Veterans Day

What did the Great War teach us? Honoring Service, Sacrifice and Preserving Peace.

Established by President Wilson in 1919, Armistice Day encouraged commemoration of the end of the Great War, and community recognition of both service and sacrifice. This marked the first national remembrance of the armistice as the end of the war. Though the holiday was later renamed Veterans Day to recognize the service of all veterans (not solely those of World War I), its dual purpose remained true to its origins and, in the words of President Eisenhower, Americans would:

“…solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores to preserve our heritage of freedom, and …reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

Through the weekend, visitors will explore the history of General Hospital No. 2 at Fort McHenry during World War I and be encouraged to consider the following questions:

• What challenges did those serving at General Hospital No. 2 face?
• How did the World War I generation remember the war? What did they want for the future?
• How can we best honor the service and sacrifice of current and past generations?

Program Schedule 

Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 2026

10:00 a.m. - Morning Flag Change (48-star)

10:45 a.m. - Origins of Veterans' Day

11:00 a.m. - Moment of silence marking the armistice in 1918

11:15 a.m. - "Generations of Service at Fort McHenry" - Ranger Talk

1:15 p.m. - Flag Talk

4:00 p.m. - Evening Flag Change

General Hospital No. 2 Living History and Exhibits

Ongoing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Star Fort

Fee Information

Programs inside the historic star fort require visitors over the age of 16 to pay a $15 entrance fee.