Thank A Veteran

Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony, like most ceremonies around the nation, is held on Veterans Day itself.

The question has been asked by many companies who will decide if a government office or business closes or stays open on Veterans Day. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). In most circumstances, when a holiday falls on a non-workday, i.e. Saturday or Sunday, the federal government is closed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

State and local governments, schools included, are not required to follow OPM closure policies and may determine for themselves whether to close or remain open. Non-government businesses are free to make their own decisions to close or remain open for business, regardless of federal, state or local government closings.

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL of those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are greatly appreciated, and to emphasize the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

Hallmark began offering Veterans Day cards in 2002. It had previously tested these cards during 1985 and 1999, but found little interest from its consumers. However, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, there was a change of heart. To review a sample of these cards, please visit http://pressroom.hallmark.com/veterans_day.html.

Thank your fellow veteran co-workers today!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy