Yesterday wasn’t just any Sunday. Nov. 11 is Veterans Day — a.k.a. the day set aside to honor the brave men + women who have fought to protect our country. If you didn’t celebrate yesterday, don’t worry – the holiday is nationally observed today.

The holiday (originally called “Armistice Day”) was first observed on the first anniversary of the end of WWI (Nov. 11, 1919). In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance of the day, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the day officially became a national holiday. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to “Veterans Day” to honor all veterans, not just those who served in WWI.

DYK:

🇺🇸 16.1 million veterans alive today have served in 1+ war

🇺🇸 ~558,000 of the Americans who fought in WWII are still alive

🇺🇸 Canada, Great Britain, Australia + France also celebrate the veterans of WWI + WWII on (or near) Nov. 11

To celebrate the holiday, we featured several local veterans.

Honoring local veterans 🇺🇸

👤 Cecil Culpepper

📍Served in the United States Navy during WWII

Cecil Culpepper | Submitted by Steve and Mary Culpepper, his son and daughter (Photo: Contributed)

Quoteworthy: “Cecil Culpepper, World War II veteran who lived most of his life in Chattanooga, died Aug. 29 and was remembered for his integrity and loyalty to this family and his country.” —Steve and Mary Culpepper

👤 McCracken Poston (far left)

📍Served in the United States Marine Corps.

McCracken Poston | veteran submitted by his son McCracken “Ken” Poston

McCracken Poston | veteran submitted by his son McCracken “Ken” Poston (Photo: Contributed)

Quoteworthy: “The twice a year display of U.S. flags In Ringgold, Georgia, each with the name of a departed veteran, is something that makes me slow down and reflect. The memorial flags are often in different places each time, and with over 1,600 veterans represented, they are all over town. Not only do I enjoy finding and sharing my father’s flag, I look for the fathers of my friends, my late brother-in-law’s flag, and others.” — McCracken Poston Jr.

👤 Joy Mohelski

📍Served in the United States Army

Joy Mohelski, Served in the United States Army (Photo: Contributed)

Quoteworthy: “Why I went into the U.S, Army: I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself and make a difference. I wanted to serve and protect my country as well as assist in humanitarian needs on a global level. Plus, there's no better education than real-world experience and the United States military will gladly give you a crash course in life and all its experiences: both good and bad.” —Joy Mohelski

👤 James Ballou

📍Served in the United States Navy

James Ballou, Served in the United States Navy (Photo: Contributed)

Quoteworthy: “Ultimately, we all make that decision [to join the armed forces] knowing that one day we can be called to make the ultimate sacrifice. It’s just important for people to recognize that service with a handshake. And its very moving; all of us are very appreciative of it. None of us are in it for the glory. It’s great that someone would even recognize us for that service.” —James Ballou

How to celebrate today 🇺🇸

Local events started last week and are continuing into this week.

If you missed events, such as a free performance honoring veterans by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, or are just still looking to commemorate the day and veterans, here are some ideas.

🗽 Consider joining the City of Chattanooga’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness. You can do simple things, like donate household items. More information here. ✅

🗽 Connect with the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council.

🗽 If you’re a veteran, there are an array of services available through these organizations, and if you’re not a vet but want to help, look into volunteer opportunities there.

🗽 UTC is hosting a concert, called The Great War in Song. It’s the conclusion of the university’s events tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Art Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. It’s free.

Local businesses are also getting in on the action.

🗽 Free Veterans Day meals for service members at O’Charley’s today

🗽 Dinner Delivered is offering $5 off your first order of $10 or more with the code: First

🗽 SkyZoo Chattanooga is waiving its cover, offering 50 cent-wings, half off pizza all day and karaoke for veterans.

Most area restaurants offer some sort of discount, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The list is lengthy, so you can check here for details.