Freedom Has a Price

Veteran's Day honors those who bravely served in the U.S. armed forces during times of war.

This painting commemorates the end of World War I, when new weapons technologies led to unprecedented bloodshed. The female figure memorializes the millions of casualties, of which about 300,000 were American, and dedicates those losses to peace and honor.

All were relieved when that tragic conflict ended on November 11, 1918. In the United States, Armistice Day was instituted to pay tribute to World War I veterans and to encourage nations to rededicate themselves to the cause of world peace.

When World War II and the Korean War shattered hopes that the First World War would be "the war to end all wars," the U.S. holiday was changed to Veterans Day, so that those who served in all conflicts would be recognized.

Pictured: J. C. Leyendecker, 1874 Germany–1951 USA, Great War Victory, Illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, 1918, oil, 27 x 19 7/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Thomas Whital Stern.