Veterans Day was created to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) during war and peace, currently alive or deceased. It's not to be confused with Memorial Day (celebrated in May), which honors those who died in service.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day to remind Americans of the tragedies of war. This was one year following the signing of the armistice that ended World War I (11 a.m. on November 11, 1918). The day became a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, Congress changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all United States Veterans.
Veterans Day is one of ten holidays proclaimed by the Federal Government each year. The traditional date is November 11th, but the official date is the second Monday in November.
Veterans Day Events In Annapolis
Friday, November 11
- 11am: Veterans Day Program at the Crownsville Veterans Cemetery
- 10am-2pm: Veterans Appreciation Weekend at the Museum of Historic Annapolis. Free admission for Veterans with ID.
- 10am-4pm: Veterans Appreciation Weekend at the William Paca House and Garden. Free admission for Veterans with ID.
Saturday, November 12
- 10am-2pm: Veterans Appreciation Weekend at the Museum of Historic Annapolis. Free admission for Veterans with ID.
- 10am-4pm: Veterans Appreciation Weekend at the William Paca House and Garden. Free admission for Veterans with ID.
- 11am-3pm: His Majesty's Marines at Hogshead: Shore Leave 1772
Sunday, November 13
- 10am-2pm: Hands-On History Day at the Museum of Historic Annapolis: Salute to Veterans! Free admission for Veterans with ID.
Looking for a service activity for Veterans Day?
- Write a thank-you letter to a veteran or current member of the armed forces or create a care package to send overseas. These could be for a family member, a friend or someone you’ve never met.
- Organizations like A Million Thanks and Operation Gratitude make it easy to send letters and care packages to men and women in the military.
Both activities are fun, hands-on ways to make Veterans Day meaningful for kids of all ages.
Did you Know?
- Great Britain, France, and other countries celebrate November 11th as Armistice Day. Canada celebrates Remembrance Day on this same date.
- During World War I, Walt Disney served as a Red Cross ambulance driver. During World War II, Disney Studios produced over 90,000 feet of training film to train the Navy's sailors on navigation tactics.
- Each year on November 11th at 11am there is a National Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The traditional event is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate not only the end of World War I, but also to honor all of those members of each of the military who lost their lives while serving their country.
Freebies and Discounts for Veterans in Annapolis and Beyond
Every year on Veterans Day many restaurants and businesses offer freebies and discounts for Veterans and their their families. There are too many to list here. However, Military.com has done the work for us and created a long list of fantastic offers. Take a look and enjoy a free meal, or three on Veterans Day.
