On Nov. 11, Americans celebrate Veterans Day. It’s a day to honor military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces.  

   Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was established as a federal holiday in honor of the end of World War I (WWI), which took place on Nov. 11, 1918. Congress made it an official holiday in 1938. It was called Armistice Day until veterans’ service organizations urged for the name change. On June 1, 1954, all American veterans would be celebrated on Nov. 11. Other ally countries, those who fought on the same side as the United States during WWI, have remembrance days and events. Due to the 2016 Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act, it is recommended that two minutes of silence is to be observed at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 

   The holiday is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which is a common misunderstanding for people. Memorial Day is a day to honor soldiers lost in service while Veterans Day, as previously mentioned, celebrates living or dead veterans who have served. 

   Veterans Day is an observed holiday, meaning federal employees enjoy a workday off even if the holiday falls on a weekend. Federal workers have Friday off since Veterans Day is on a Saturday this year.  

   Companies show their appreciation by giving veterans discounts and benefits during the Veterans Day weekend for their service. While some discounts are yearlong, most companies look to give those special rewards regarding the holiday. Another traditional celebration is the hosting of parades and ceremonies across the country. 

   In Murfreesboro, there will be a celebration to commemorate veterans at the Rutherford County Courthouse by presenting the colors, honoring those from the community who have passed, and allowing veterans to talk about their experiences in the military. This is the twenty-seventh year a ceremony was held in the city starting from 2012. 

   Along with the parade in Murfreesboro, Blackman High School also celebrated Veterans Day on Friday before school started. The JROTC, choir, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and their teachers led the program today. 

Blackman history teacher and Army veteran, Thomas Capouch, said “I take the time to reflect on the people lost and gained and the lessons I learned, it’s not a day to barbeque.” He served for over 20 years and now has the time to spend with his wife and kids.  

   Veterans Day is a day of remembrance and honor for all veterans, including those living and dead. Veterans take that time to reflect on their time in the Armed Forces and the impact the military has had on their personhood.  

   The Blackman High School family thanks all veterans for their service.