George Washington's Birthday became a Federal holiday in 1880. In 1888 and 1894, respectively, Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) and Labor Day were created. In 1938, Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) was created to mark the end of World War I.
On June 30, 1973, Archie Turner was the last known person drafted into the US Army. Though he did not choose to join the Army, he chose to stay.
It wasn't until 1973 that the military eliminated the draft, creating today's all-volunteer force. WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 2, 2012) -- When newly elected President Richard M. Nixon requested the Department of Defense eliminate the draft and create an all-volunteer force, Army leaders knew there would be some hurdles.