Honoring Service: Reflecting on Veterans Day 2023
As the leaves turn amber and the chill of November settles in, we approach a day steeped in profound respect and solemn pride. Veterans Day 2023, observed on November 11th, is not just another entry in our calendars; it is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have donned the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day 2023
Veterans Day 2023 will fall on Saturday, November 11. It is a federal holiday observed annually, honoring American veterans of all wars. Originally commemorating the end of World War I, the holiday was first known as Armistice Day. Congress later expanded its scope to honor all veterans and renamed it Veterans Day in 1954. If Veterans Day occurs on a weekend, it is recognized on both the actual date and the following Monday for business and government operations, allowing schools and businesses to observe a long weekend
What is Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. It occurs annually on November 11, honoring the armistice that ended World War I on that day in 1918. Initially called Armistice Day, the United States Congress recognized November 11 as the end of World War I and declared it a federal holiday in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, the day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars. If Veterans Day falls on a weekend, the federal government observes the holiday on the adjacent Friday or Monday, ensuring a long weekend for federal employees and encouraging public participation in honoring veterans
Veterans Day History
Veterans Day has its roots deeply embedded in the history of World War I, emerging from the silence that fell on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1919. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities of World War I, growing over time to honor all veterans who have served our nation in war or peace alive or deceased with a particular emphasis on thanking living veterans for their sacrifices.
Why Veterans Day Celebrated
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th annually, is dedicated to American veterans of all wars. It marks the armistice that ended World War I and was initially commemorated in the U.S. in 1919 as Armistice Day. Following World War II and the Korean War, the day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans. The day is symbolized by red poppies, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” and is observed with ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence. It carries historical and patriotic significance, reflecting the nation’s gratitude towards its military servicemen and women
Veterans Day Deals 2023
Veterans Day in 2023 will offer a range of discounts and freebies for veterans and active-duty military members. Restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and IHOP will provide complimentary meals, while Dunkin’ gives away free donuts. Retailers like Food Lion, Kohl’s, and Rite Aid offer substantial discounts on various products. Additionally, travel and recreation venues like World of Coca-Cola, UFC GYM, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are providing promotional offers and discounts. These gestures of appreciation are a small way to honor those who have served in the military.
Veterans Day Free Meals
Free meals for veterans on Veterans Day 2023 from a comprehensive list on Military.com. Here’s a summary of what I found:
- Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military get a free 12″ Cheese Pizza on November 11, dine-in only, with military ID1.
- Applebee’s: Complimentary full-size entrée from a special menu on November 11 for active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard, dine-in only. Also, a $5 Bounce Back Card for later use2.
- Bar Louie: Free Craft Burger on November 11 with a valid ID, dine-in only3.
- Biggby Coffee: Free 24oz brewed coffee on November 114.
- Bill Gray’s: Free World’s Greatest Cheeseburger, regular fries, and a soda on November 11 with proof of service5.
- BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with any $9.95+ purchase on November 11. Additional offers for veterans who spend more6.
- Bob Evans: Free meal from a select menu on November 11, dine-in only7.
- Bonefish Grill: Complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11 with valid ID8.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Free order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries on November 11, dine-in only9.
- Buffalo’s Cafe: Complimentary entree from the menu on November 11, up to a $17.99 value, with military ID or in uniform10.
- Calhoun’s: Free lunch from 10:45 am to 4 pm on November 11 with military ID11.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Complimentary meal on November 11, plus a BOGO offer valid from November 12 to 2112.
These deals are a token of appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by veterans and military members.
Veterans Day Federal Holiday
Veterans Day is one of the eleven federal holidays recognized across the United States. It serves as a day to remember all U.S. military veterans, both past and present. The holiday has been observed since 1926 and takes place on November 11th each year. On Veterans Day, non-essential federal government offices are closed, and federal employees are paid even if they have the day off. The private sector often follows suit, with many employees receiving paid time off or special holiday pay. When Veterans Day falls on a weekend, it is observed on the nearest workday to ensure that federal employees who work a Monday to Friday schedule can commemorate the day. In 2023, Veterans Day will be officially observed on Friday, November 10th.
Veterans Day 2023 India
Veterans Day in India is observed differently and on a different date than in the United States. In India, the day is known as Armed Forces Veterans’ Day and is celebrated on January 14 to honour the services of the Indian Armed Forces veterans. This date was chosen in recognition of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces post-Independence, who retired on January 14, 1953. Celebrations include wreath-laying ceremonies, veterans’ meets, and the release of magazines like SAMMAAN and VAYU SEMVEDNA that cover topics of interest to the veteran community. The day has been commemorated since 2017 and serves to reinforce camaraderie among the retired, serving soldiers, and the nation.
Veterans Day Activities
Across the United States, a multitude of activities and events are organized to celebrate Veterans Day. Here are some of the highlights planned for Veterans Day 2023:
- Alabama: Birmingham and Mobile will host Veterans Day Parades on November 11 and November 10, respectively.
- Alaska: Sitka National Cemetery will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10.
- Arizona: Various cities like Mesa, Phoenix, and Prescott have parades and celebrations, with themes honouring different veteran groups on November 11.
- Arkansas: Fort Smith’s Veterans Day Parade & Celebration on November 11 will feature food trucks and activities.
- California: In Jurupa Valley, there’s a parade and festival on November 11.
- Colorado: Denver, Loveland, and Parker will see parades and a concert on November 11, and Colorado Springs will have a Veterans Day event from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Connecticut: Events include a pancake breakfast in Windham, a Veterans Day celebration in Weston, a ceremony in New Haven, and a parade in Enfield.
These events reflect the nation’s diverse ways of honouring the service and sacrifice of military veterans.