The meaning of Veterans Day
Memorial Day, which honors those who died in the service of their country, and Veterans Day, which honors those who have served and continue to serve, are two of the United States of America's national holidays that have particular significance for those who have served and their families.
Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank all of those who have served America in war and peace, to express gratitude, and to recognize the sacrifices made in order to protect our country.
Veterans Day (no apostrophe) was originally named Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, according to the defense.gov website. The Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war on June 28, 1919, although the fighting ended about seven months earlier, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
World War I was dubbed "the war to end all wars" when it was declared a national holiday in 1938. It was, however, initially designated as a day to commemorate veterans of that particular conflict.
However, as more conflicts happened, the name of Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to commemorate American veterans of all wars.
Though the date of the celebration changed over time, it was finally set in stone in 1975 when President Gerald Ford signed a law restoring it to November 11.
Veterans Day is not only observed in the United States. The 11th of November is celebrated as “Remembrance Day” in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (though that country celebrates it on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11).
The following is information from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs:
• Veterans Day is still celebrated on November 11th, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. The Veterans Day National Ceremony, like most others around the country, takes place on Veterans Day. When Veterans Day falls on a weekday, however, many communities opt to host parades or other events the weekend before or after the 11th of November so that more people can attend.
• Some schools close on Veterans Day, while others stay open. Since there is no legal mandate for schools to close on Veterans Day, individual states or school districts are free to set their own policy on school closures.
Most schools that do not close for Veterans Day hold assemblies or other events to celebrate America's veterans on Veterans Day and during the week.
• A lot of people have Memorial Day and Veterans Day mixed up. Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember and honor military personnel who died while serving their country, particularly those who died in combat or as a result of battle wounds. While those who have died are honored as well, Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and recognize ALL those who have served honorably in the military, whether in war or peace. Veterans Day, in particular, is primarily intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to recognize that their contributions to our national security are valued, and to emphasize that all those who served - not just those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
Related: 5 Facts to Know About Veterans Day
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