On This Day: Armistice Celebrated Early

Armistice Day parade, Nov. 1925. East on O St from 11th Lincoln, Nebraska.

The armistice to end World War I signed at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month was greeted with great rejoicing in Nebraska towns. The state had contributed its share to winning World War I; 751 Nebraskans lost their lives in the conflict. So anxious were Nebraskans for the war to be over, that some towns celebrated victory before the peace was signed. Reports of negotiations between the U.S. and Germany led citizens of York to “jump the gun.” An account published November 8, 1918 described the mix-up:

“There was a great celebration in York yesterday afternoon. A report that the armistice had been signed . . .was published in a Lincoln sheet and a copy of the paper was carried about town and set the joy to effervescing. The whistles blew, the horns honked, the cannon crackers cracked and there was a general hurrah.

“The Associated Press failed to confirm the report, in fact it issued a statement by Secretary Lansing that the report was a bad mistake. However, the people would not believe that it was not true and celebrated in fine style.

“This paper knew the true condition of affairs, but many people would not be convinced. Some blew good money in telephoning Omaha and other points. The premature explosion could have been avoided by seeking the correct news at the place where it is received.”

Activities on November 7th were just a warm-up for the real thing four days later. The celebration began at 2:20 a.m., the hour the armistice was signed in Europe. The siren at the light plant blew until sun up, signaling festivities that would last well into the night. “Mayor Smith came downtown and gave orders that no one be allowed to sleep any more when such good news was available. The martial bands and trumpeters were out in force going up and down the street announcing the news that the greatest war in history was at an end. There was a great parade with a motor truck leading the way. The Troubadour band came out and made the early morning most interesting with their patriotic selections.

“Mayor Smith announced that there would be a hot time in this old town tonight. The people are so glad no effort is made to curtail their celebration.”

Observance of Armistice Day continued on a yearly basis, although the festivities were tame compared to the first big blow-out. In 1954, Congress changed the name of the November 11 holiday to Veterans’ Day, in honor of all who served their country in the armed forces.

 

Armistice Parade of 1922 Lincoln NE (NSHS: RG1234.PH000070-000052)

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.