November 11 is observed as a federal holiday in the United States. It has become tradition in the United States to have the official wreath-laying ceremony is held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The purpose of Veterans Day is to honor those people who have served in the armed services, also known as veterans. This day also makes the anniversary of World War I. The major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918.
Other countries such as Britain, France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II around November 11th. Canada practices the observance of Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday, which is held on the second Sunday of November. Britain and other Commonwealth countries observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.
Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day, which according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is a common misunderstanding. Memorial Days is celebrated on the fourth Monday of every May to honor American service members who died during combat or whose death resulted in an injury during combat. Veterans Day is used to pay tribute to all servicemen, rather living or deceased.
North Carolina’s Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2013. The parade will be held in downtown Raleigh and starts at the intersection of Fayetteville and Davie St at 9:30 am. A wreath laying ceremony will follow, beginning at 11 am on the north side of the North Carolina Capitol grounds. Music and static displays will make this an event for the entire family to enjoy.
