Veterans Day, commemorated annually on November 11th, is just a humble way America shows its gratitude toward all U.S. military veterans who have given selfless service to the country. This year, it happens to fall on a Monday. It is one of those days when every sacrifice that men and women in uniform have endured in America’s name throughout time is remembered. Veterans Day taps into a rich history, dating back to the end of World War I, by making it a point of introspection and humility about the freedom one enjoys today.
The origins of Veterans Day and its historical significance
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, a celebration commemorating the end of hostilities in World War I. An armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month- November 11, 1918.
The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 a day to commemorate, calling for parades, public meetings, and a stoppage of work at 11 a.m. throughout the nation to reflect on the high cost of war, particularly “the war to end all wars.” Originally intended to honor the veterans of World War I, the holiday was broadened in 1954 to include all U.S. veterans.
Whereas Memorial Day remembers those who have died in service, Veterans Day honors all military veterans, living or deceased, in and out of service to the nation in war and peace, who have worn the uniform of the United States. The day symbolizes a national thank-you and is marked by ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence nationwide.
What’s Open and Closed on Veterans Day?
Being a federal holiday, Veterans Day leads to the closure of several institutions and offices within the government. However, the states or localities may vary slightly in celebrating the day, and that can cause a huge difference in identifying the open and closed areas.
Federal Offices and Mail Services: Federal offices that are considered non-essential, along with federal courts, will be closed on November 11. The United States Postal Service is taking the holiday, which means no mail will be delivered on that day. There could be some private delivery services still operating, but for the most part, the postal services stand still.
Banks and Schools: Many banks will be closed for Veterans Day, although various institutions depending on location and bank policy may remain open. Schools generally follow other schedules that vary according to their state’s guidelines. For example, schools in Illinois observe Veterans Day as a “Not in Attendance” day, which means students will not be obliged to attend classes if the local school board votes to observe the day.
Not every district is the same, classes could be in session depending on where one lives, like within the city of the Chicago Public Schools system, since the day is not considered a legal school holiday. Many decisions to observe the holiday come at the discretion of the local school districts, so parents will need to check local school schedules regarding whether or not school will be closed on Veterans Day.
Free National Park Access on Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, and the sacrifices of America’s military members, the National Park Service invites all Americans to experience national parks without entrance fees on November 11. The program invites every man and woman to see the beauty and history America’s national parks offer in gratitude for their military service. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountains join several other very famous national parks in this fee-free event.
Outdoor moments are also one of the ways to spend quality time on this special day, especially for veterans and their families. National parks provide places of solitude for contemplation with nature, which the veterans fought to defend. Moreover, NPS allows free access throughout the year to both the veterans and the Gold Star Families as another gesture of respect to those who have served the country.
Veterans Day Deals and Discounts
Many businesses demonstrate their gratitude for veterans’ sacrifice with special discounts and promotions on Veterans Day and beyond. To veterans and active-duty service members, these offers translate into a small but meaningful acknowledgment of their sacrifice. Most discounts require proof of service, usually a military ID or online verification through third-party services, including ID.me.
Restaurants
Several popular restaurants offer free meals to veterans. Examples include:
Starbucks: Veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses get a free tall brewed coffee.
Applebee’s: Free entree from a limited menu for veterans and active U.S. military.
Buffalo Wild Wings: The restaurant will give veterans 10 free boneless wings and fries.
IHOP: This restaurant serves up a free stack of pancakes at participating restaurants during a regular visit, meaning a warm beginning for many who are served.
These gestures offer a meal to the veterans and family members but remind the larger community about the sacrifices men and women in uniform make.
Retail and Service Discounts
Apart from eateries, many retail chains and service providers extend discounts on Veterans Day:
Home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot, will extend discounts to veterans on or around Veterans Day. This proves very practical for those in the throes of projects in the home.
Apparel and outdoor brands may offer special discounts to recognize military service members by providing great opportunities for those to venture out and enjoy outdoor activities with the family, or simply update their wardrobes for the season.
These discounts are very tangible ways of showing appreciation by businesses in general towards veterans through different expressions and allow the latter to spend their day with family and friends.
Other Ways of Honoring Veterans Throughout the Year
While Veterans Day is a specific time to pay respect to veterans, much work has gone into supporting them throughout the year. Programs involving healthcare to educational benefits have been put in place to ease the transition for veterans back into civilian life, finding employment, and accessing support when it’s needed. Many organizations, such as the VA, provide numerous services ranging from mental health to housing and vocational training.
Also, Veterans Day underlines mental health in veterans. Many of them have certain problems after returning to civilian life: PTSD and a variety of other serious mental disorders. This holiday makes people pay more attention to having an available mental health facility and urges communities to support them continuously.
The Importance of Veterans’ Sacrifice Recognition
It’s also not just about ceremonies and discounts but about sacrifices that involve many people. Their service has defended the principles of freedom and democracy. In honoring veterans, communities also acknowledge the physical, emotional, and family-related costs of military service. The day provides the opportunity to consider the military’s role in maintaining national security and pursuing peace.
For the veteran’s families, it is a day to reflect upon the sacrifice of their loved ones through long separations, frequent moves, and anxiety from deployments. Veterans Day is a time to remind all individuals of the resiliency and bravery of the people who have served.
