Do you have 11/11 off

[declansdad]

I find it very distastefull that people are saying 'enjoy your day off". November 11th is suppose to be a somber day where you attend a service to honor the war victims and armed forces. It's not a holiday.

Tell that to the soldiers and vets who spend the rest of the day at the legion once they have attended the ceremonies in the morning.

 

[TinkerBelled]

This is very much historical.

The 11th technically marks the end of WWI hostilities. The armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

In countries that participated extensively in WWI, November 11th is still a big deal. As a PP noted, in UK and the Commonwealth, it is a very solemn day, much more so than even Memorial Day here in America. People wear red poppies in the lead-up to the day, and the events are serious. WWI was supposed to be the War to End All Wars. It was incredibly deadly, and for many people, it seems like it was a war with very little purpose. Casualties for the armies of the British Empire were ten times the WWI casualties for American forces.

In America, WWI has much less resonance for us. For many, then, Veterans Day seems like a second memorial day, with perhaps less import. I don't think anyone's trying to be disrespectful--I think it's about perspective.

 

[CdnCarrie]

To be honest I don't know what Memorial Day is. But in Canada 11/11 is considered a sombre day.

 

[CdnCarrie]

This is very much historical.

The 11th technically marks the end of WWI hostilities. The armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

In countries that participated extensively in WWI, November 11th is still a big deal. As a PP noted, in UK and the Commonwealth, it is a very solemn day, much more so than even Memorial Day here in America. People wear red poppies in the lead-up to the day, and the events are serious. WWI was supposed to be the War to End All Wars. It was incredibly deadly, and for many people, it seems like it was a war with very little purpose. Casualties for the armies of the British Empire were ten times the WWI casualties for American forces.

In America, WWI has much less resonance for us. For many, then, Veterans Day seems like a second memorial day, with perhaps less import. I don't think anyone's trying to be disrespectful--I think it's about perspective.

Very insightful! And that does explain the difference between Americans and the Commonwealth.

I always view November as being a dull, depressing month. Fall is over, the trees are bare and the only day off is a very sad day of 11/11.

 

[carrie1626]

I do and one happy camper

Lucky you.

Many moons ago when I was a bank teller, we had Veteran's day off. The bank was closed!

 

[JanaDee]

To be honest I don't know what Memorial Day is. But in Canada 11/11 is considered a sombre day.

Memorial Day is meant to honor veterans that have passed (for whatever reason).

Veteran's Day (Nov 11th) is meant to honor and thank living veterans.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Why don't Americans wear poppies?

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Yes everything is closed here. However if it falls on a weekend there is no day off in lieu of it except for government offices.

I find it very distastefull that people are saying 'enjoy your day off". November 11th is suppose to be a somber day where you attend a service to honor the war victims and armed forces. It's not a holiday.

Why do so many people mix up Memorial Day and Veteran's Day? I see it every year during both holidays.

Edit: Didn't know you were from Canada. In the US, there are two different holidays -- one for the living and one for the deceased.

 

[kwelch10377]

Why don't Americans wear poppies?

They do on Memorial Day.

You can find more information here on how Veterans Day is celebrated in the US

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetday_faq.asp

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

Why do so many people mix up Memorial Day and Veteran's Day? I see it every year during both holidays.

As already mentioned, Canada doesn't have a "Memorial Day". Instead, there is Remembrance Day which is celebrated on November 11th to honour the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers. It marks the end of WWI, where war casualties made up almost 1% of Canada's total population.

In Canada, it is definitely a solemn occasion, and the poppies are already out and worn by pretty much everyone.

 

[aprilgail2]

Any day people are paid and not required to work is their holiday.
Additionally, there is nothing wrong with enjoying it.

 

[sasywtch]

We do have the day. I work 9/8/80's so it's my every other Monday off so I'll get another 8 hour day off another day in the month of my choosing. We also have Thanksgiving and the day after (we gave up Columbus Day for Thanksgiving Friday as no one but the bottom of the totem pole went to work anyway on that day).

 

[crazee4mickey]

In Canada, it is not a "holiday" it is a day of remembrance when we pay respect to all those who fought and are still protecting the peace and freedoms we now are able to enjoy, both the living and the dead are honored and remembered on this day.
Some places in larger centres will open for business but not until the afternoon as they must remain closed until after the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month as a sign of respect and remembrance. In our town of about 2500, everything is closed except gas station.
All government run businesses, banks, schools, etc in our area will all be closed.

 

[mommasita]

Our banks and government offices are closed, but EVERYthing else is open, including schools.. They pause at 11:00 in remembrance... I couldn't imagine everything shutting down...

Poppies are out in full force, love seeing them, and what they signify..

 

[crazee4mickey]

Our banks and government offices are closed, but EVERYthing else is open, including schools.. They pause at 11:00 in remembrance... I couldn't imagine everything shutting down...

Poppies are out in full force, love seeing them, and what they signify..

The businesses are open all day in Quebec? Here they don't open until afternoon.

Your schools are open? Wow, nope the school Remembrance Day service will be held on November 7th as they have day off on 8th due to teacher PD day and the 11th is no school due to Remembrance Day and there will be the local service on that day.

It's like a ghost town here on November 11th

I agree, poppies are everywhere!

 

[kelowatt]

Where I work it is considered a paid holiday, but I work in a program that never closes (psychiatric crisis intervention) so we work, and get paid a bit more. If you really wanted to take the day off it could be arranged in advance, but I don't particularly mind working it.

To any who are serving or who have served, thank you.

 

[mommasita]

The businesses are open all day in Quebec? Here they don't open until afternoon.

Your schools are open? Wow, nope the school Remembrance Day service will be held on November 7th as they have day off on 8th due to teacher PD day and the 11th is no school due to Remembrance Day and there will be the local service on that day.

It's like a ghost town here on November 11th

I agree, poppies are everywhere!

Yes, all day.. schools as well.. My daughter's high school does a beautiful luncheon. Each girl takes a Veteran out to lunch, after spending the morning getting to know one another.. It has been a real eye opener for her..

 

[Minerva Mouse]

I have the 11th off, and I'm taking a personal day on the 12th. Four day weekend for me

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Nope, I work & the kids have school.

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[tvguy]

Nope, I work & the kids have school.

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My kids are in college now, but this does make me flash back to some of confusion over holidays when my kids were in K-12. More than one kid missed school because their parents kept them home assuming a state and federal holiday meant no school.