Smaller parades were held across the United States to honor citizens who have served in the armed forces in commemoration of Veterans Day, a holiday that began more than a century ago as a celebration of the end of World War I, before it was named this way. Since then, it has been celebrated on the same date.
Communities across the country have held parades since the first Armistice Day in 1919, focusing on thanking all military veterans, both living and deceased. The largest parade takes place in New York with a procession along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, known there as Memorial Day.
Unlike Memorial Day, which refers to those who died in combat, Veterans Day focuses on thanking all war veterans. Memorial Day began after the Civil War in 1868, with national observances on May 30.
Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I, was first celebrated in the United States in 1919 and has since become a day of recognition for veterans of all wars, as well as for those currently serving in the armed forces. It is a federal holiday, so there is no mail service and many public offices and schools are closed.
Federal courts and government offices also remain closed, although the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq remain open. Some private businesses offer discounts and special deals, while many restaurants provide free meals to veterans and active military members. Additionally, some zoos and museums offer free admission.
