Does veterans day have an apostrophe?

Does Veterans Day Have an Apostrophe?

Introduction

Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the United States, is celebrated on November 11th to honor the sacrifices and achievements of military veterans. While many people observe this day with parades, ceremonies, and discounts, a question has sparked controversy among linguists and grammar enthusiasts: does Veterans Day have an apostrophe?

The Direct Answer

The answer is no, Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the official name of the holiday is Veterans Day, without an apostrophe. This decision was made in 1954, when the holiday was officially established by an act of Congress.

The History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, which was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1938, Congress passed a resolution to make Armistice Day a national holiday, and it was observed on November 11th every year. After World War II and the Korean War, the holiday was expanded to honor all American veterans, not just those who died in World War I. In 1954, the holiday was officially renamed Veterans Day to reflect this broader scope.

The Debate

Despite the official stance, some argue that Veterans Day should have an apostrophe, citing the following reasons:

• Possessive intent: Some claim that the apostrophe is necessary to indicate possession, as in "Veterans’ Day", suggesting that the day belongs to the veterans.
• Punctuation consistency: Others argue that the absence of an apostrophe is inconsistent with the way other holidays are named, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, which all have apostrophes.

The Counterarguments

However, there are several counterarguments against the use of an apostrophe:

• Etymology: The word "veteran" comes from the Latin "veteranus", meaning "old" or "experienced". In this context, the word "veterans" refers to the individuals, not the day itself. Therefore, an apostrophe is not necessary to indicate possession.
• Grammar: The official name "Veterans Day" is a noun phrase, consisting of a noun ("veterans") and a noun ("day"). In this case, the apostrophe is not needed to indicate possession or possession-like relationships.
• Style guides: Major style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, the AP Stylebook, and the MLA Handbook, all recommend against using an apostrophe in the name "Veterans Day".

The Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Does Veterans Day have an apostrophe?" is no. The official name of the holiday is Veterans Day, without an apostrophe, and this decision is supported by etymology, grammar, and style guides. While some may argue that an apostrophe is necessary for possessive intent or punctuation consistency, the weight of evidence suggests that the absence of an apostrophe is the correct and consistent choice.

Additional Facts

Here are some additional facts about Veterans Day:

• History of observance: Veterans Day was first observed on November 11, 1919, and has been celebrated annually since then.
• Federal holiday: Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on November 11th every year.
• Parades and ceremonies: Many cities and towns hold parades and ceremonies to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
• Discounts and promotions: Many businesses offer discounts and promotions on Veterans Day to show appreciation for veterans.
• International observance: While Veterans Day is primarily celebrated in the United States, some other countries also observe similar holidays to honor their veterans.

Table: Official Names of Holidays

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate about whether Veterans Day has an apostrophe is a matter of style and grammar. While some may argue for the use of an apostrophe, the official name of the holiday is Veterans Day, without an apostrophe. This decision is supported by etymology, grammar, and style guides, and is consistent with the way other holidays are named.