Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?

November 08, 2025
by Laura Militana

Every year, we have numerous opportunities to celebrate our veterans. Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in service, and Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently serving.

Then there’s Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, marking the anniversary of the World War I armistice — the day that effectively ended the war. It’s a time to honor all who have served, not just those who lost their lives.

Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans of all wars.

It is a federally designated holiday, meaning banks and government offices are closed to allow people to take part in community events celebrating local veterans.

“No matter how long you served or where you served, just know it is appreciated.”


Local Support for Veterans

Did you know Putnam County has a full-time Veterans Service Office?
Veterans Service Officers Mark Harris and Edward Norris help veterans, surviving spouses, and their families file claims with the VA for healthcare, compensation, survivor and burial benefits, pension assistance, and more.

They can also help obtain military records and discharges from state or national archives.

📍 Office Location: 1656 W. Broad St., Cookeville
📞 Phone: 931-526-2432
🕗 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Week of Activities & Celebrations

A series of events across Putnam County and the region will honor local veterans and the U.S. Marine Corps birthday.


Veterans Parade

Saturday, Nov. 8 – Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m., parade starts at 11 a.m.


Veterans Brunch & Film

Tuesday, Nov. 11 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Putnam County Library System will host a Veterans Day / Col. Bryan Payne Celebration Brunch at the Cookeville branch.

  • Biscuits and gravy provided by Jamie’s Eats and Sweets

  • Screening of Sergeant York to follow


🎂 Marine Corps 250th Birthday

Monday, Nov. 10 – Gene’s Place Pizzeria
Doors open at 5 p.m., ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
(Limited seating; one guest per Marine requested.)


Tennessee Tech Celebrations

Monday, Nov. 10 – Veterans Day Ceremony
Jere Whitson Memorial Building, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 – Veterans Town Hall
Tech Pride Room, 4 p.m.
Speaker: Heather Elliott, U.S. Veterans Affairs Outreach Specialist

Thursday, Nov. 13 – Veterans Block Party & Kickball Game
Walton Park, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Tech veterans vs. Army ROTC cadets

Friday, Nov. 14 – National Red Out Day
Show your support by wearing red to honor our heroes.


Quilts of Valor Ceremony

Tuesday, Nov. 11 – 11 a.m.
Central City Church – The Patriotic Quilters of Mid-TN will present 12 Quilts of Valor to local veterans.


Cookeville High School Program

Tuesday, Nov. 11 – 6 p.m.
Hosted at Life Church.


Veterans Appreciation Cookout

Saturday, Nov. 15 – 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cookeville Community Center.
All veterans and their families are welcome.


Everyday Ways to Say “Thank You”

  • Offer to take a veteran out to eat.

  • Spend time with them and listen to their stories.

  • Write down those stories for future generations.

  • Support a veteran-owned business.

Additional resources are available at putnamcountytn.gov/veteran-community#Pt2.

“Veterans, a simple thank you oftentimes feels like it’s not enough. The risks and sacrifices you took when you signed up for the service — there’s no way to fully know exactly what you went through.”

God bless our veterans, and God bless the USA.





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