(Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
Veterans Day 2015 (also known as Remembrance Day) is Wednesday, November 11, 2014 and that is when the holiday will be observed. Sometimes, the holiday isn’t necessarily observed on the actual date. When-Is reports:
In the United States, Veterans Day is usually observed on November 11. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated.
Veterans Day is important because it is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice. The armistice ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. The day is to thank Veterans for their services to the United States, which is why they receive free meals at certain restaurants and extra discounts at a variety of stores. For example, vets get a free meal at Applebees on Veterans Day or get some free “crazy bread sticks” at Little Caesars. With the holiday comes parades, church services, and some school closings. Schools that choose not to close often have special activities or assemblies planned for the students. You will also notice that places flying the American flag may have it hung at half mast.
At 11:00 a.m., a period of silence lasting two minutes may be held. This is because it was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the armistice came into effect. Originally, the day was known as Armistice Day. Federal Government offices are closed on the holiday, but public transportation schedules should run normally.