Friday is the observance of Veterans Day, a well-known American holiday (which is actually November 11).

More than just a day off or a day for shopping, we should make this day a true remembrance and a time of thanks to all who serve to defend our freedom in the armed forces of the United States. Give special thought to people wounded in battle, and to those suffering from the psychological stress of being in war. Perhaps even go to church and pray for all veterans, living and deceased.

There are a few misconceptions about this day – like how it is spelled or whom exactly it celebrates. A lot of people think it is “Veteran’s Day” or “Veterans’ Day,” but they’re wrong. The holiday is not a day that “belongs” to one veteran or multiple veterans, which is what an apostrophe implies. It is a day for honoring all veterans. So, no apostrophe is needed.

Veterans Day is not the same as Memorial Day. A lot of Americans get this confused. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Veterans Day honors and thanks all of those who have served the country in war or peace, dead or alive, MIA or POW, in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars I and II, although it is largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. As a veteran myself with 40 years, first as an enlisted airman and later as an air force reserve officer, I am honored when someone says to me, “Sir, thank you for your service.”

It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the close of World War I in 1919. However, the fighting ended about seven months before that when the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, was largely considered the end of “the war to end all wars” and dubbed Armistice Day. Unlike other federal holidays, Veterans Day is not moved to the closest Monday but retains its significant day.

In 1926, Congress officially recognized it as the end of the war, and in 1938, it became an official holiday, primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I. But then World War II and the Korean War happened, so on June 1, 1954, at the urging of veterans’ service organizations, Congress amended the commemoration yet again by changing the word “armistice” to “veterans” so the day would honor American vets of all wars. Other countries celebrate it, too, in their own ways.

On Saturday, many flags will be displayed and saluted. Here are some flag facts to share with you about our great country:

• There have been 27 versions of the American flag. There have been many changes from the 1777 original that had 13 stars and 13 stripes for the American colonies. Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added.
  • With proper illumination so that it can be seen in the dark, a flag can be
  displayed for all 24 hours.
  • The red, white, and blue colors did not happen by accident. The founding
  fathers wanted the colors to have meaning. Red symbolizes hardiness and
  valor; white signifies purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance,
  perseverance, and justice.
  • Our current design is the only one to have lasted more than 50 years, likely
  because no state has been added to the union since 1959.
  • US flags fly at half-staff when a nation or a state is in mourning for someone,
  in honor of Memorial Day, or after a national tragedy.
  • The nickname Old Glory was given by sea captain William Driver specifically
  to his own flag in 1831, when he saw that flag flying on the mast of his ship.
  Later, the name became synonymous with any American flag.
  • The proper way for civilians to view a flag during a parade or review, or when
  it is being raised or lowered in a ceremony, is to face the flag with your right
  hand over your heart.

So, I hope you enjoy the day of honor on Friday and be refreshed and proud Americans as we get back to work again on Monday after a long and well-deserved rest.