Every November, Americans honor the sacrifices and service of those who have served in the military. The day is widely known as Veterans Day, but there is often confusion surrounding its punctuation. Should there be an apostrophe in Veterans Day? Is it Veterans’ Day, Veteran’s Day, or simply Veterans Day without any punctuation? Understanding the correct form and why it matters helps preserve the integrity and purpose of this national holiday. This topic explores the grammar, history, and usage of the term to clarify the correct and respectful way to write it.
The Official Name
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the official spelling of the holiday isVeterans Day, without an apostrophe. This might appear grammatically odd at first glance. After all, we’re talking about a day that honors veterans, so wouldn’t it make sense to show possession using an apostrophe?
The answer lies in how the day is meant to be interpreted. Veterans Day is not a day that belongs to veterans (which would require a possessive form), but rather a day meant to recognize and honor them. Therefore, the word veterans functions as an attributive noun a noun used as an adjective to describe another noun. In this case, veterans describes the kind of day it is.
Why No Apostrophe?
Using no apostrophe in Veterans Day aligns with a broader rule in English grammar when a noun is used attributively that is, when it modifies another noun without showing possession it doesn’t require an apostrophe.
- Examples include Teachers College, Farmers Market, Users Manual.
- In each of these, the first noun modifies the second, acting like an adjective.
In the case of Veterans Day, veterans simply describes the type of day being observed. It’s not the day owned by veterans, but a day dedicated to honoring them.
Common Mistakes
It’s not unusual to see the holiday mistakenly written with an apostrophe. Here are the most common incorrect forms and why they should be avoided
- Veteran’s DayThis suggests the day belongs to one veteran, which is not the intended meaning.
- Veterans’ DayThis implies collective possession by all veterans. While more understandable than the singular form, it’s still incorrect in the context of the holiday’s official name.
Both of these versions shift the meaning away from honoring veterans as a group to implying they possess the day. This small grammatical detail subtly changes the intention behind the holiday.
Historical Background of Veterans Day
The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day and was first observed on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, following the end of World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the holiday’s name to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War I.
Since then, the holiday has continued to be officially recognized without an apostrophe. All government documents, military branches, and official observances refer to it as Veterans Day.
What Dictionaries and Style Guides Say
Most reputable dictionaries and style guides confirm the punctuation-free spelling. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, which is widely used in journalism and professional writing, also supports the use of Veterans Day without an apostrophe.
Here is a quick summary
- AP StyleVeterans Day (no apostrophe)
- Chicago Manual of StyleVeterans Day (follows government usage)
- Merriam-Webster DictionaryVeterans Day (entry listed without apostrophe)
Writers and editors should stick to this form to ensure consistency with official government language and broader stylistic consensus.
Comparison with Other Holidays
To better understand why Veterans Day doesn’t use an apostrophe, it helps to compare it with other holidays that do. Consider the following
- Mother’s DayCelebrates one’s own mother, hence the possessive form.
- Father’s DayFollows the same logic, using the possessive apostrophe.
- Presidents’ DayThough usage varies, the apostrophe often appears to indicate a plural possessive, referring to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln or all U.S. presidents collectively.
The difference with Veterans Day is intentional. It’s not meant to celebrate a single person or even the group as owners of the day. Instead, it is a general expression of gratitude toward all who have served.
The Importance of Using the Correct Form
Using the correct form of Veterans Day isn’t just a matter of grammar it’s a way of showing respect. Properly writing the name of a national holiday reflects awareness of its meaning and historical significance. When educational institutions, businesses, and publications use the correct spelling, they reinforce the correct message of recognition rather than possession.
Incorrect forms, especially when used in public or professional contexts, can come off as careless or uninformed. This is especially important when referring to a holiday that honors military service. Clarity, accuracy, and respect all begin with using the correct language.
How to Remember It
To avoid confusion in the future, use the following strategies
- Think of veterans as a description, not a possessor.
- Compare with other attributive nouns like teachers college or farmers market.
- Recall the official designation by the U.S. government Veterans Day, no apostrophe.
These simple reminders can help you maintain proper grammar and show appropriate respect when referring to this national observance.
The correct way to write the name of this holiday is Veterans Day without an apostrophe. This reflects the day’s intent to honor and recognize all U.S. military veterans, not to suggest that the day is owned by them. While it may seem like a small grammatical detail, getting it right carries symbolic importance. It preserves the original meaning, aligns with official usage, and demonstrates grammatical precision. So next time you write or speak about this important occasion, remember to drop the apostrophe and keep the meaning intact it’s simply and respectfully Veterans Day.