Veterans Day and Thanksgiving highlight gratitude in November celebrations

November 11 is Veterans Day in the U.S., established in 1954 to honor all veterans. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorates the end of World War I and serves as a day of thanksgiving for military service. Thanksgiving, celebrated on the final Thursday of November, was officially declared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It evolved from earlier days of prayer and remembrance into a feast reflecting the harvest tradition of the Pilgrims in 1621. Both holidays are overshadowed by Halloween and Christmas, often losing their significance in the holiday season. The shift in focus has led to a diminished recognition of their historical importance.