Today is Veterans Day and to get this out of the way first, it’s not Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day, it’s Veterans Day — no apostrophe. It isn’t a day that belongs to one or multiple veterans — it honors all veterans, so lose the apostrophe.
It’s also not the same as Memorial Day — that day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country. Veterans Day honors all those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — and it’s especially intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.
I’ve mentioned this in years past, but Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day because it marked the one-year anniversary of the temporary cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany during World War I. The armistice went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th month in 1918.
Although not widely known, there is a Women Veterans Day — on June 12. It marks the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, that President Harry S. Truman signed into law on June 12, 1948. It’s not a nationally recognized holiday, but some states observe the day.
And March 13 is National K9 Veterans Day that honors American military and working dogs throughout history.
Arlington National Cemetery holds an observance on Veteran Day every year at 11 a.m., the time the World War I armistice was signed. During the Veterans Day commemoration at the cemetery, guards lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and veterans organizations hold a parade of colors.
Several other countries also mark the end of World War I on November 11. Canada, Australia, France and Belgium call it Remembrance Day.
The New York City Veterans Day Parade is both the largest and oldest Veterans Day parade in the country — it takes place along Fifth Avenue.
The first celebration that was referred to as Veteran Day was held in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 11, 1947. The event was organized by a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks.
Happy Veterans Day.
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