100th Anniversary of World War I end Published Nov. 9, 2018 By Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle Air Force District of Washington Command Information JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- This Sunday marks the official observance of Veterans Day, but it also marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice on Nov. 11, 1918 that ended World War I. More than 16 million people perished in the Great War, and World War II would later claim more than 80 million lives, leading to our current observance honoring all U.S. veterans who have served during both war and peacetime. This year's 100th anniversary commemorations intend to honor the 4.7 million Americans who served and the 116,516 Americans who died in World War I, to ensure they never are forgotten. While Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, it is often confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May, which specifically honors those who died while in military service. Veterans Day should also not be confused with another May date of remembrance, Armed Forces Day, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Those in the DC area have some options if wanting to observe the occasion. At Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. military officials will hold a ceremony Sunday at 11 a.m., to include a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. At the National Harbor, Maryland, a series of statues honoring each branch of the military will be unveiled. Col. Norman West, Air Force District of Washington command surgeon, will be the guest speaker. The Capital Wheel is offering free rides to active duty members, veterans, and their families. Honor and Remember This Sunday marks the official observance of Veterans Day, but it also marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice on Nov. 11, 1918 that ended World War I. More than 16 million people perished in the Great War, and World War II would later claim more than 80 million lives, leading to our current observance honoring all U.S. veterans who have served during both war and peacetime. This year's 100th anniversary commemorations intend to honor the 4.7 million Americans who served and the 116,516 Americans who died in World War I, to ensure they never are forgotten. While Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, it is often confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May, which specifically honors those who died while in military service. Veterans Day should also not be confused with another May date of remembrance, Armed Forces Day, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Those in the DC area have some options if wanting to observe the occasion. At Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. military officials will hold a ceremony Sunday at 11 a.m., to include a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. At the National Harbor, Maryland, a series of statues honoring each branch of the military will be unveiled. Col. Norman West, Air Force District of Washington command surgeon, will be the guest speaker. The Capital Wheel is offering free rides to active duty members, veterans, and their families. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res This Sunday marks the official observance of Veterans Day, but it also marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice on Nov. 11, 1918 that ended World War I. More than 16 million people perished in the Great War, and World War II would later claim more than 80 million lives, leading to our current observance honoring all U.S. veterans who have served during both war and peacetime. This year's 100th anniversary commemorations intend to honor the 4.7 million Americans who served and the 116,516 Americans who died in World War I, to ensure they never are forgotten. While Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, it is often confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May, which specifically honors those who died while in military service. Veterans Day should also not be confused with another May date of remembrance, Armed Forces Day, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Those in the DC area have some options if wanting to observe the occasion. At Arlington National Cemetery, U.S. military officials will hold a ceremony Sunday at 11 a.m., to include a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. At the National Harbor, Maryland, a series of statues honoring each branch of the military will be unveiled. Col. Norman West, Air Force District of Washington command surgeon, will be the guest speaker. The Capital Wheel is offering free rides to active duty members, veterans, and their families.