The first time Veterans Day was celebrated, it was actually called Armistice Day and took place November 11, 1919, one year after the end of World War I. It was originally designed to honor the brave men who fought in that war. Seven years later, Congress passed a resolution to make it an annual holiday and, in 1938, November 11 became a national holiday. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to Veterans’ Day, deeming that the holiday would honor veterans, living or dead, who had fought in the wars as well as those who had served in peace time.

Many people mistake Veterans Day for Memorial Day, because they are similar in that they both honor American military personnel. The difference, though, is that Veterans’ Day honors all who have served while Memorial Day remembers those who gave their lives for our country in war.

This year, Veterans Day falls on a Monday and it is a holiday. Locally, there are several ways to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Veterans’ Day. In Fairfield, there is a commemoration ceremony sponsored by the American Legion at 10 am in the Downtown Theatre at 1035 Texas St. At noon, there will be a parade down Texas Street.

In Sacramento, a special ceremony will be held at 1 pm at the Veterans’ fountain at 971 Capitol Mall to honor the Mexican-American soldiers and their contributions to the American society.

The day can be very rewarding and there are many ways that veterans can be acknowledged by local companies. According to https://www.thespruce.com/texas-roadhouse-free-veterans-day-lunch-1357335, Texas Roadhouse, along with several other restaurants, will offer a free meal to veterans. The website also includes a link to free haircuts, car washes and more for veterans on the holiday. More deals can be found at https://militarybenefits.info/local-area-veterans-day-deals-for-veterans/.