Will you get to stay home on Friday? Veterans Day is approaching this Friday, November 11. Though the public holiday is observed each year, and has been since 1919, not everyone gets off from work.
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, only federal government closings are required on Veterans Day, which honors those who have served in the United States’ armed forces.
Local governments, schools and non-government businesses — who are not required to follow closure policies made by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — are free to make their own decisions to remain open or not. (The U.S. Post Office is closed and delivers no mail on Veterans Day.)
Veterans Day, which was known as Armistice Day until 1954, is commonly confused with Memorial Day. The difference? Memorial Day was established to celebrate the lives of veterans who have died while serving the country. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank retired military members who are still living and to acknowledge their contributions to our national security.
In the past, many celebrities have taken to social media to share their appreciation for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the United States.
“Thank you and Happy #VeteransDay to all of the Veteran’s who have served our country,” singer Luke Bryan tweeted last year, while talk show host Wendy Williams wrote: “Thank you to the men and women who served & protected our great nation. #VeteransDay.”
Melissa Joan Hart, who has several family members who are veterans, penned a particularly touching note thanking her grandfather and uncles for all their hard work.
“Sending all my gratitude to all the veterans and their families today and always for protecting our freedoms and my family!” the Clarissa Explains It All alum, 40, wrote via Instagram. “Thinking of my grandfather and uncles who fought for our country and defended us in times of war and peace. #Thankyou #gratitude #veteran #GodBlessAmerica.”
