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Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. This year, the 11th day of the 11th month is a Monday. Learn the true meaning of Veterans Day and its important history—as well as ten ways to show vets how you appreciate the sacrifices that they have made.
When Is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.
In 2024, Veterans Day will be observed on Monday, November 11.
Veterans Day is an important day set aside to honor and show appreciation for ALL who have served in the United States military—in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased.
We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. –Roy Rogers
In Canada, November 11 is called Remembrance Day. This day, more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day, honors veterans who have died in service to their country.
What’s the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
On both Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who have served, living or deceased, but in particular the living veterans among us.
Memorial Day specifically commemorates the men and women who died while serving their country and made the ultimate sacrifice.
A Short History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first Armistice Day in 1919.
In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday by an act of Congress.
In 1954, this federal holiday was changed from “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day.
Although this holiday initially honored those who perished in service to their country, when the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.
Remember that Veterans Day is to honor the service of all Americans who have served, but particularly the living veterans among us. Many of our veterans stepped in harm’s way on our behalf.
Therefore, a cheery “Happy Veterans Day!” may not be fitting for a person who may have friends who died in combat. According to a veterans poll, 49% of vets feel uneasy with the expression, “Thank you for your service.” They weren’t sure how to respond and preferred action to words.
But don’t get hung up on not knowing exactly how to express your gratitude to a veteran. Everyone knows and appreciates a kind word and, even better, an act of kindness.
Here are 10 ways you can show vets that you appreciate the sacrifices they made:
If you personally know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), reach out to them on Veterans Day with a phone call or visit. This is one opportunity to engage beyond just saying thank you. If they are comfortable discussing it, ask where they served, where they were stationed, what specific jobs they did while serving, and so on.
If you’re not close to a veteran, write a thank you card and drop it off at a VA hospital. If you’re not in time for this Veterans Day, still write one; a thoughtful card is appreciated any time. Or, contact Operation Gratitude, which sends letters of thanks and care packages to veterans as well as those deployed.
Place a small flag on a veteran’s grave. This is an annual tradition for many scout troops. In some states, there are “Operation Flags for Vets” organizations. Call your local cemetery first for permission.
Do you have a driver’s license? Help bring disabled veterans to their doctor appointments. Contact the hospital service coordinator at your local VA hospital.
If you make charitable donations, consider helping wounded veterans. Or, sponsor an “honor flight” to send veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Washington, D.C., to see their national monuments. Donate here.
Perhaps you or your church group or scout group would like to actively help a veteran in your own community? Contact a local veterans assistance program, such as the one offered by DAV. From helping do yard work to running errands, there’s sure to be a need.
Call your VA Hospital to see how you can help out.
Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and reflect on the poem’s significance to veterans.
Spend an hour or more learning about our nation’s veterans. The Great War Society has developed a Web site devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War II Memorial celebrates the victory of “the greatest generation” with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial online; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Learn about the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, also in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which was established to honor the more than 265,000 military and civilian women who served around the world during the Vietnam Era.
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
Don't get me wrong. I'm not for change for the sake of change. I want everybody to have a vote. It's what the veterans fought and died for, us go get the chance to vote.
It's Veterans Day, without the apostrophe. It's not my call, it's just the way it is. And always remember, November 11, 1918 was a Monday. Think about it.
I have an issue concerning Veterans Day. Since in 2023 it's on a Saturday there's no holiday for banks, unless it's a Saturday bank. Should it be changed to the second Monday in November? After all, November 11, 1918 was a Monday.
I really don't know, but what I do know is that no one person should make the decision. Let's put it to a vote in the 2024 general election for all the people to decide. It's what those veterans fought and died for. It's only right.
JWC
One of the suggestions above was to ask a veteran about his military experiences. This may be generally a good idea; however, keep in mind that many veterans suffered horrendous experiences in combat and would rather not talk about it. So, unless the veteran expresses a willingness to share his or her military experiences, don’t push it.
I'd like to point out that Veterans Day is actually not necessarily to honor those still serving, but to honor those who have served our country and have separated in good standing. Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” There is a separate holiday for honoring those that are still serving, Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday of the month of May and was created to recognize and thank those who are currently serving in all branches of our armed forces.
My late husband was a Vietnam veteran. He served his country proudly in this unpopular war regardless of what people said to him. Today, November 11, I will read a letter at my church that my daughter wrote to our local newspaper about her father's service. She was awarded a prize by the Vietnam Veterans of America.
I generally agree with your suggestion to ask a veteran about his or her service because they can give you a perspective that is different from what you may have. However, please remember that for many veterans, the details of their service are painful to recall. Many veterans do not wish to talk about their war time experiences, so don't push too hard for information.