Veterans Day and Five Interesting Facts
The U.S. Department of Defense has a wonderful article on their website entitled “Five Facts to Know About Veterans Day.” Written by Katie Lange, the article touches on five misconceptions of this well-known American holiday.
– Veterans Day does NOT have an apostrophe. The holiday is not a day that belongs to one veteran or multiple veterans. It’s a day for honoring all veterans; therefore, no apostrophe is needed.
– Veterans Day is NOT the Same as Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace – dead or alive – although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.
– Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, when the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1938, it became an official holiday. Congress later amended the commemoration by changing the word “armistice” to “veterans” so the day would honor American veterans of all wars.
– Veterans Day was celebrated for a time on the fourth Monday of every October. But in 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a bill into law which returned the annual observance to its original observation date – November 11th.
– Other countries celebrate it, too, in their own ways. World War I was a multinational effort, so it makes sense that our allies also wanted to celebrate their veterans on Nov. 11. The name of the day and the types of commemorations differ, however. For example, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain celebrate “Remembrance Day.”
At The Cremation Center of Southern Utah, we are proud to honor those who have served. Veterans are our national heroes and are deserving of special attention. Please contact us at (435) 986-9100 for information on veterans burial benefits.
Submitted by Larry L. Hansen, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director
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