Rocklin is home to some of the most patriotic Veteran’s Day celebrations in California. Veteran’s Day itself is a day to celebrate the valor of the veterans who have protected our freedom. But where did it come from?

Veteran’s Day derives from the most hopeful day out of one of the worst years in human history. World War I, formally called the Great War, came to a head on November 11, 1918, when an armistice between the Allies and Germany officially ended the hostilities in the war.

Veteran’s Day was observed on different days by the states because of the disagreement between states and the federal government as to whether or not Veteran’s Day should be treated as a three-day weekend.

The day was eventually set on Nov. 11, where it would become a legal holiday no matter what day of the week it fell on. Additionally, Veteran’s Day fell on the already established “Armistice Day.” This year, it falls on a Wednesday.  

In 2017, Veteran’s Day falls on a Saturday. Because the government wants to keep the same hours of school every year, the class of 2019 will get three straight years of Veteran’s Day giving them a three-day weekend.

We can’t forget what Veteran’s Day is really about and the fundamental reason why we always get a day off of school or work on Nov. 11. Our veterans have fought bravely to protect their families and the country they love. This Veteran’s Day, thank a veteran for their service.