Q&A: Veterans Day

11.07.2025

Q: What's the history behind Veterans Day?

A: President Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 that renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of all wars. Armistice Day was made a national holiday in 1938 to honor the sacrifice of those who served in World War I and commemorate the end of fighting on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918. In addition to local observances in communities across the country, America observes Veterans Day with a reverent ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Against the backdrop of taps, the military bugle call, a ceremonial wreath is placed before the Tomb at 11 a.m. and continues with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations inside the Memorial Amphitheater.

The federal holiday calls upon Americans to reflect upon the patriotism and service of military men and women, as well as the sacrifices made by their families. Throughout our nation's history, military families put their lives on hold while veterans put their lives on the line to preserve freedom and liberty at home and abroad. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their courage and commitment to answer the call to serve in uniform, from the American Revolutionary War to the 21^st century. As we prepare to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution and signing of the Declaration of Independence, I encourage Iowans to share stories with younger generations about members of their family who have served our nation in uniform. Their experiences are part of their family history and our nation's history, and ought to be handed down from one generation to the next. I'm proud of my family ties to military service, including my dad, brothers and grandson. Across our state, Iowa's hometown veterans share in this heritage of service - including members of the National Guard and Reserves - united by the bond of military service to support and defend the Constitution.

As Iowa's senior U.S. Senator and history enthusiast, I'm proud to help preserve the stories of Iowa's brave heroes. For nearly a decade, my office has participated in the Veterans History Project to collect video and audio recordings of Iowa veterans. Since Congress created the program 25 years ago, the Library of Congress serves as the permanent repository of the collection that today includes the stories from more than 100,000 veterans. These personal testimonies help ensure current and future generations understand military service and the realities of war. To date, my office has submitted 95 interviews that chronicle first-hand accounts from Iowa veterans' military service, including wartime experiences.

Q: How would the ACCESS Act help veterans?

A: As a government watchdog working to ensure the promises made to veterans are upheld, I've pursued efforts to improve access to health care close to home; root out sexual assault in the military and improve accountability in the military justice system; help veterans make a smooth transition from the military to civilian life; push for stronger suicide prevention and mental health services; and help veterans cut bureaucratic red tape at the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2018, President Trump signed the VA MISSION Act to provide veterans better pathways to access community health care. Since its passage, I've conducted oversight to ensure the law is working as Congress intended so veterans can obtain care they need in a timely manner, including mental and behavioral health. That's why I'm cosponsoring the ACCESS Act to help address frustrations I've been hearing from Iowa veterans. For example, the legislation would codify eligibility requirements for access to community care, including primary care visits with an average 30-minute driving time and a 20-day wait time for an appointment. Specialty care would require access to community care within an average 60-minute driving time and a 28-day wait time for an appointment. It also would accelerate the screening and admission process for mental health treatment programs. I'm also cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to improve the transition to civilian life to help reduce veteran suicide. The bill is named in honor of two veterans who died by suicide, including Cpl. Adam Lambert of Adel who died a decade ago, within one year after returning home from military service as a U.S. Marine. As long as I'm serving Iowans in the U.S. Senate, I'll do whatever I can to ensure our veterans are neither forsaken, nor forgotten.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11.