Veterans Day is a federal holiday we celebrate on its actual day – November 11 – which is on a Friday this year.  If you have a long weekend, consider spending part of it acknowledging our veterans.  As President Barack Obama stated last year in his Proclamation 8598:  “On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us.”  

Here are a couple of local happenings:

11K and 1-Mile Healthy Walk.  Join others in a national event on November 11.  The San Jose National Veterans Day Run is an inaugural event, starting near the HP Pavilion, running along the Guadalupe Trail and ending at the Heritage Garden, pending permit approval.  A large turnout of veterans and active-duty personnel is expected.  The race begins at 7:11 a.m.  Other cities participating are Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio, and San Diego.

Downtown San Jose Veterans Day Parade, one of the largest Veterans Day Parades in Northern California, is an annual event produced by the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County with support from the City of San Jose, the County of Santa Clara and many individuals and organizations.  The Opening Ceremony for the Parade begins on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month with a memorial ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez on Market Street in honor of the 1918 Armistice of the “War to End All Wars.” The Parade steps off at 12:00 Noon from Delmas Street near the HP Pavilion and travels east along Santa Clara to Market Street. The Parade then proceeds south on Market, passing the reviewing stand at Park Street opposite Plaza de Cesar Chavez near the Tech Museum, and ends at San Carlos Street.  This event has been held yearly since 1919!

And, to get yourself and your little ones informed about the meaning of the holiday once known as Armistice Day, check out these materials through your local San Jose Library branch.

Pop quiz.  For answers check out San Jose Library’s database pages.

·         When did Armistice Day become Veterans Day?

·         What did Armistice Day commemorate?

·         Who proclaimed the first Armistice Day and in what year?

·         In what year did Congress declare Armistice Day a federal holiday?