Tomorrow Americans will celebrate Veterans Day honoring those who have served their country. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate this holiday on a Tuesday in November.
Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day: Veterans Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated on Nov. 11 each year. It’s often confused with Memorial Day, which is set aside to honor those who died serving their country. Veterans Day is for all those who have served in the armed forces.
Armistice Day: The origins of the holiday date back to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, who proclaimed Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919 to mark the end of World War I. The armistice between Germany and the Allied nations that ended WWI was signed on that day and a ceasefire went into effect on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,” 1918. An interesting note on that day, however. The war didn’t have its official end until seven months later, when, on June 28, 1919, the parties signed the Treaty of Versailles in the Palace of Versailles in France.
Name change: President Eisenhower signed a bill into law in 1954 and Congress voted to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Day change: Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October in 1971 but was changed back to its original Nov. 11 date in 1978. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then it’s observed on Monday or Friday, respectively.
Below is a list of restaurants offering Veterans Day deals and freebies tomorrow.
Outback Steakhouse
On Tuesday, Outback is honoring all active and retired military personnel with a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage. You must show a valid military ID at participating restaurants.
Hooters
Active-duty and retired military are invited to Hooters to dine for free on Tuesday: get a free entree by presenting a military ID or proof of service.
Applebee’s
Service members get a free “Thank You” meal when you dine in at Applebee’s. Guests will need to provide proof of their service.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
On Tuesday, veterans get a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert, or if you’re not a vet, if you buy the dessert or other retail items, 10 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the USO.
Denny’s
On Tuesday, active, inactive and retired military personnel can build your own free Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. until noon at participating Denny’s.
Red Lobster
From Monday, Nov. 10 through Thursday, Nov. 13, Red Lobster will be thanking veterans, active duty, active serving military and reservists with a free select appetizer, including the new crispy shrimp lettuce wraps or several other options.
