Veterans Day has its origins in the armistice that ended fighting between the Allies and the Germans on November 11, 1918. The next Great War to End All Wars left Americans with many veterans who identified with World War II instead of World War I. Consequently, in 1954 the U.S. Congress changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Des Moines has had a U.S. military presence from before its founding. In the 20th Century, Fort Des Moines was where the first class of African-American military leaders graduated in 1917. Twenty-five years later, Fort Des Moines graduated the first members of the Women’s Army Corps, the WACs. Exhibitions at the fort’s museum (75 East Army Post Road, open Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) tell the story of these changes war helped to bring forth in society. Fort Des Moines, on the southern edge of Des Moines, has been a training site for the Army Reserves since 1949.
Ten miles to the northwest of Des Moines in Johnston sits Camp Dodge. This facility served as an induction and discharge site during World War II. Today it serves the Iowa National Guard. The camp is also home to the Gold Star Military Museum.
On the grounds of the state capitol (approximately East 12th Street between East Grand and East Court) statues and 
sculptures stand as memorials to veterans of several wars, including to veterans who served in Korea and Vietnam and during World War II. The picture to the right shows the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Memorial.
Not everyone who participates in wars on behalf of their country is considered a veteran. Merchant marines and women piloting cargo planes in WW II did not receive veteran benefits. Similarly, several participants in current conflicts will not be recognized as veterans despite their contribution to the nation’s goals. Women also helped out in World War II by working in the factories and other industries left understaffed by men who joined the military. The lack of training and experience that led to many soldiers’ deaths also led to the death and maiming of women in the factories.
Armistice Day was first celebrated in 1919. In his proclamation, President Woodrow Wilson called for a day of solemn pride in those who died for their country and gratitude for the victory not only for the freedom it represented but also for the opportunity to sympathize with peace and justice in a league of nations. In 1938, Congress passed a law establishing each November 11th as Armistice Day and “dedicated to the cause of world peace.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared November 11, 1938, as a legal holiday in the District of Columbia.
The regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs is located in the Federal Building at 210 Walnut Street. According to information on the its web site, the regional office provides services to approximately 270,000 veterans in Iowa. The site also information about organizations for veterans.
M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa. 
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