Veterans Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the service and sacrifice of those who served in the U.S. military, past and present. It is observed every year on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I, when the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect in 1918.
What’s the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day, another federal holiday that honors the U.S. military. However, there is a significant difference between the two. Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, is a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the armed forces. Veterans Day, on the other hand, is a day of appreciation for all veterans, whether they are alive or dead, and whether they served in wartime or peacetime.
How is Veterans Day celebrated?
Veterans Day is celebrated with various ceremonies, parades, and events across the country and around the world. Some of the most notable ones include:
- The National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, where the president or a high-ranking official lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and delivers a speech honoring the veterans.
- The Veterans Day Parade in New York City, which is the largest and oldest in the nation, features thousands of participants and spectators along Fifth Avenue.
- The America’s Parade in Los Angeles, which is the largest on the West Coast, showcasing military and civilian groups, bands, floats, and celebrities.
- The National Veterans Day Concert in Washington, D.C., which is a musical tribute to the veterans featuring renowned artists and performers.
- The Veterans Day National Ceremony in London, which is held at the Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, where the British monarch and other dignitaries lay wreaths and observe a two-minute silence.
What’s open and what’s closed on Veterans Day?
Since Veterans Day is a federal holiday, most government offices and services are closed, including:
- Federal courts and non-essential federal agencies
- Post offices and regular mail delivery
- Banks and credit unions
- Schools and libraries
However, some businesses and services remain open, such as:
- Restaurants and stores, many of which offer discounts and freebies to veterans and active-duty military personnel
- National parks and museums, some of which waive entrance fees for veterans and their families
- UPS and FedEx, which continue to deliver packages and operate their stores, with some exceptions
- Public transportation, which may operate on a reduced schedule or a holiday schedule
How can you thank a veteran on Veterans Day?
There are many ways to express your gratitude and support to the veterans on Veterans Day, such as:
- Attending a local ceremony or parade and cheering for the veterans
- Visiting a veterans hospital or nursing home and spending time with the veterans
- Volunteering for a veterans organization or charity and helping out with their activities
- Donating to a veteran’s cause or fund and contributing to their welfare
- Writing a letter or a card to a veteran and thanking them for their service
- Wearing a poppy or a flag pin and showing your patriotism
- Saying “thank you” to a veteran and shaking their hand
Veterans Day is a special day to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served and defended our country. Let us remember their courage and sacrifice, and show them our respect and appreciation.
