Thaindian News

Nov 11 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Today is Veterans Day (without an apostrophe to indicate that the day does not belong to Veterans, but is a day to honor them) in the United States of America. Although many people confuse the meaning and purpose of Veteran’s Day with that of Memorial Day, the difference is actually quite simple.

Memorial Day is set aside to honor those heroes who have died while serving their country and fighting for her freedom. Veteran’s Day is more geared towards thanking the living servicemen and women for their service, but is a day set aside to honor ALL who have served, in wartime, or in peace, for any period of time.

‘Veterans Day’ in American is observed on November 11th, no matter which day of the week that date may fall on. Most parades and celebrations which are held in honor of Veteran’s Day will be held the weekend before or after, however, in order to make it ear for more people to attend.

This year, since the holiday falls on Thursday, many restaurants and other places are choosing to give away free meals and discounts for several days, until Monday, November 15, 2011. A list of some of those businesses are available here .

Aside from these businesses, many are curious to know what places are opened today, and which ones are closed. Most banks, credit unions, post offices, school, public libraries, and government offices will be closed. Grocery stores, restaurants, liquor stores, and public transit companies are usually open. The decision is left to the discretion of the owner when it comes to private businesses, and many of them will have some way of honoring their heroes on this day.