Why is there no Apostrophe in Veterans Day?
The Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th every year, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day, which was declared on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans, not just those who died in World War I.
The Missing Apostrophe
One of the most noticeable features of Veterans Day is the absence of an apostrophe in its name. This has led to much debate and confusion among linguists, grammarians, and the general public. So, why is there no apostrophe in Veterans Day?
The Answer Lies in the History of the Holiday
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the name "Veterans Day" was chosen to emphasize the importance of honoring all American veterans, not just those who died in World War I. The name was suggested by Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran who founded the National Veterans Day Committee in 1947. Weeks believed that the name "Veterans Day" was more inclusive and would better reflect the spirit of the holiday.
The Rules of Apostrophe Usage
In English grammar, the rules for using apostrophes are relatively straightforward. An apostrophe is used to indicate possession, show that something belongs to someone or something else. For example, "John’s book" indicates that the book belongs to John. Apostrophes are also used to form contractions, such as "it’s" for "it is" or "don’t" for "do not".
Why Veterans Day Doesn’t Need an Apostrophe
Veterans Day does not need an apostrophe because it is not a possessive noun. The name "Veterans Day" is not indicating that the day belongs to veterans, but rather that it is a day to honor and celebrate all American veterans. In this sense, the name is more of a title or a label, rather than a possessive noun.
Other Examples of Apostrophe-Free Nouns
Veterans Day is not the only example of a noun that does not use an apostrophe. Other examples include:
- Labor Day
- Independence Day
- Christmas Day
- Easter Sunday
Table: Apostrophe-Free Nouns
| Noun | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Veterans Day | A federal holiday to honor American veterans |
| Labor Day | A federal holiday to honor the American labor movement |
| Independence Day | A federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence |
| Christmas Day | A federal holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ |
| Easter Sunday | A Christian holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the absence of an apostrophe in Veterans Day is due to the fact that the name is not a possessive noun, but rather a title or label to honor and celebrate all American veterans. The rules of apostrophe usage in English grammar dictate that an apostrophe is used to indicate possession, but in the case of Veterans Day, the name is not indicating possession. Instead, it is a celebration of the sacrifices and service of American veterans.
Additional Resources
For more information on Veterans Day and its history, please visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov.
