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Veterans Day 2023 will be observed on Saturday, November 11, and government offices will be closed in honor of the day on Friday, November 10.
This year marks the 69th observance of Veterans Day, but November 11 has been a special day to remember and honor the armed forces since 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed the commemoration of what was called “Armistice Day” at the time and was intended to honor those who had fought in the Great War.
Two years later, on Armistice Day in 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated in Arlington Cemetery, and each year on November 11, a wreath-laying ceremony is held at the tomb.
The significance of November 11 dates to the end of World War I in 1918, when all fighting ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For this reason, many other countries join the United States in observing a special time of remembrance on November 11.
Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938, and in 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day in order to honor those who had served in all wars.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an ‘s’ at the end of ‘veterans’ because it is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.”
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
According to the VA’s website, “Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”
How can you commemorate Veterans Day this year?
There are various opportunities in our community to participate in honoring veterans this year.
Goodwater Baptist Church is holding a Veterans Day Lunch on Friday, November 10 at 10:30.
The Well Church is holding a Veterans Day Service on Saturday, November 11th at 7:00 PM. The Well Church is located behind Rainforest Car Wash.
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