Veterans Day used to be Armistice Day, celebrating the end of World War I. It wouldn’t become a national holiday until 1938. Veterans Day in its current incarnation is meant primarily to celebrate living former service members. Memorial Day emphasizes the fallen, and Armed Forces Day emphasizes those currently serving.
Veterans Day is also a day of free or discounted meals for veterans. There are sales on other goods, of course. That’s what holidays are about, after all – spending money. I’ve never been a fan of enduring long lines to purchase slightly discounted overpriced goods, and I’m certainly not going to put myself through that for a free lunch that, given the crush of service members coming through, is almost certain to be sub-standard. When they start providing free beers I might stand in line.
Anyway, happy Veterans Day to all those who served or are serving. And to everyone else, have a great day too. (And stay out of the way of those hungry Soldiers.)
The View from the Armchair 