1) On November 11, 1918, Illinoisans joined the world in celebrating the end of World War I. The day became known as Armistice Day, and was recognized as a state holiday in Illinois in 1921.

2) In 1926, the Chicago Tribune sponsored the first Armistice Day parade in the city, which drew an estimated 100,000 spectators.

3) On November 11, 1930, the Lincoln Memorial in Springfield was dedicated. The memorial features a 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln and is visited by thousands of tourists each year.

4) The Illinois State Police was established on November 11, 1922, with the mission of promoting public safety and enforcing state laws. Today, the ISP has over 3,000 officers statewide.

5) In 1947, Illinois Governor Dwight H. Green declared November 11 to be Veterans Day in the state, in honor of the service of Illinois veterans in World War II. Today, the holiday continues to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.