The United States deployed nearly five million service members during World War I, with loses topping 110,000. The American Expeditionary Force, led by Gen. John Pershing, brought fresh troops to the fight that had dragged on since 1914. On November 11, 1918 an armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, ending the fighting. Celebrations of Armistice Day grew into celebration of all veterans, becoming "Veterans Day" in 1954.