Veterans Day is a day when Americans honor the courage and sacrifice of all American veterans. This is a day when people remember those who have served in the army. For one day, people gather together to show their gratitude for their veterans.
People in America celebrate and show respect to America’s soldiers for their loyalty, national pride, and desire to serve and sacrifice for a better purpose.
What Is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a holiday that celebrates military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is also known as Armistice Day. It is a legal holiday in the United States to remember the end of World War I, which occurred on November 11, 1918.
November 11 is a reason for global peace and people honor this day and recognize it as “Armistice Day” according to the law approved in 1938. As a result, this official holiday is a day to honor World War I veterans.
It is on the same day as other celebrations held in other nations, such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day. In 1954, a key veteran group in the United States asked for renaming Armistice Day.
After World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd United States Congress revised the Act of 1938 in 1954. They changed the word “Armistice” to the phrase “Veterans”. Then, when this law was passed on June 1, 1954, Nov 11 became a day to remember American soldiers of all wars.
Veterans Day; A Federal Holiday
Veterans Day is considered a federal holiday. It is also a bank holiday and, a state holiday in most states. On this federal holiday, federal employees and military members have a day off. Also, state workers are on a day off.
It is a business decision whether organizations consider this day as a working holiday. Many companies prefer to close for this holiday.
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What Are the Traditions of Veterans Day?
This day is a great time to express your gratitude to veteran friends and relatives online or in person. You may also honor military families by raising an American flag outside your house, spending time at a veteran facility, joining local events, and praising them for their sacrifice.
There are so many ways you can show your respect. This is a special day and all people honor the bravery of the soldiers with some special traditions. Below, we mentioned things you can do to honor this day.
Check Veterans Day Restaurant Deals
There are some well-known restaurants that offer free dinners. These restaurants include Chili’s, Applebee’s, and all California Pizza Kitchens. Also, Golden Corral restaurant offers breakfast from 5 to 9.
Give Military Presents
Most veterans value their time defending their homeland, and one of the greatest ways of showing your respect is to give them military-themed presents, such as bottle openers, wooden flags, or special pens.
Show Respect To Veterans Grave
Go to the cemetery and place a little flag on every veteran’s grave. For many scout groups, this is a once-a-year event. You can find this ritual in several states. First, get approval from your neighborhood cemetery.
Visit Veterans Around You
On this day, visit someone you know who is a veteran. They could be a family member, a friend, or even a neighbor. This is a good time to show your gratitude in a way that is beyond simply saying thank you.
If they are comfortable sharing their experiences, ask them where they served, where they were posted, what was their task while serving, and so on.
What Is a Moment of Silence?
A moment of Silence is a tradition held on both Veterans and Memorial Day.
Veterans Day
people start two minutes of silence at 3:11 pm. This silence is to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the United States.
They chose this time because an armistice, or temporary suspension of hostilities, was announced between the Allies and Germany in World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
At these moments, people see the moment of silence in different time zones:
- 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
- 11:11 a.m. Central Standard Time
- 1:11 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
- 12:11 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
- 10:11 a.m. Alaska Standard Time
- 9:11 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time
Memorial Day
This is an event that takes place annually. Americans pause for a moment at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. They chose this time since many Americans are celebrating their freedoms. It’s meant to be a uniting moment of remembering for all Americans.
Difference Between Veterans and Memorial Day
People, on both Veterans and Memorial Day, gather and spend time to remember and honor the brave veterans who have served the United States throughout history. However, there is a difference between these two holidays:
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day when people honor the men and women who gave their lives to serve their nation and made sacrifices for it.
Veterans Day
It is a day saved to recognize and celebrate ALL who have served in the military, alive or dead, with a special focus on the surviving veterans among us.
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is considered an American holiday and is on the last Monday of May. On this day, people honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
Memorial Day is known as Decoration Day. It began in the years after the Civil War and was declared a national holiday in 1971. Many Americans visit graves or memorials, host family reunions, and march in parades. It is basically the start of the summertime.
