Once known as Armistice Day the modern celebration of Veterans Day has its origins in the end of World War I. Rather than a commemoration of war this mid-November legal holiday is intended to coincide with the historic resumption of peace among nations. Naturally those who did not return from the battle front are the focus of much of the interest but living veterans are honored as well.
Too many people gloss over this day because of it's overshadowing by major celebrations on the fall calendar. For those who do plan remembrance events there are many tried and true decorating motifs. Although Veterans Day is a somber occasion it is one that can be accompanied by buffets of favorite foods and after parade fare.
A lot of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts consider this to be the high point of their activities for the year. Similarly, Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals and homes place a lot of significance on this observation. Anyone visiting someone in one of these facilities can count on an occasion of much importance.
However, municipalities that commemorate Veterans Day with a parade will probably have a more jubilant take on the traditions of the day. Groups of uniform clad veterans will share the lime light with loud siren blaring fire trucks or large groups of clown in small cars. There isn't much difference between this parade and the ones that follow Thanksgiving Day to kick off the Christmas shopping season.
Home commemorations can be respectful without being too depressing. The U.S. flag is the source of the color scheme but foods and other details can be of individual preferences. Whatever choices are made for these lunches and dinners the obvious choice for practical get-togethers on Veterans Day is to use paper party goods. Easy clean-ups rule!