| November 11th, the date of the end of the First World | | | | 3. It used to be called Armistice Day. An armistice is an |
| War, is a holiday in many countries. Each country's | | | | agreement to stop fighting - in this case, the fighting in |
| celebration is different, however. If you are new to the | | | | World War I. This happened on November 11th, 1918. |
| United States, or just visiting, here are five things you | | | | The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954, to |
| may need to know about this holiday. | | | | honor all veterans, not just celebrate the end of World |
| | | | War I. Older people may still call it Armistice Day. |
| 1. It's called Veterans Day. (Not Veteran's Day, | | | | 4. Schools and businesses may be closed. U.S. |
| Veterans' Day, or Veteran Day.) A veteran is | | | | government workplaces usually close. State and local |
| someone who has been in the military. In the U.S., this | | | | governments can choose to close their offices and |
| day honors all who served the country this way. Its | | | | schools - or not. If a school stays open on Veterans |
| purpose is mainly to thank living veterans for their | | | | Day, the students will often get together to honor |
| service. Those killed in wars are honored specially on | | | | veterans. Businesses can also choose to stay open, |
| Memorial Day in May. | | | | so if you need to buy something on Veterans Day, |
| 2. It's always on November 11th. In the 1970s, the U.S. | | | | you will probably be able to find an open store. |
| government moved Veterans Day so that it would | | | | 5. Many places hold ceremonies for Veterans Day. |
| always fall on a Monday, and workers and students | | | | Some cities have parades. In other places, the |
| could have a long weekend. Some State governments | | | | ceremonies are smaller and quieter. There may be |
| didn't agree with this, and different States celebrated | | | | speeches about veterans and the wars they have |
| the holiday on different days. Finally, it was moved | | | | fought in. Going to a local Veterans Day ceremony is |
| back to November 11th. It seems this date is important | | | | a good way to learn about an American community. |
| to many people. | | | | |