English teachers, grammarians, and others might sometimes wonder why signs, websites, or articles about Veterans Memorial Park lack an apostrophe. Are we mistaken, or simply not adept in grammar? Neither. For those who pay attention to such details, here’s the reasoning behind the absence of an apostrophe in Veterans Memorial Park, mirroring the omission in Veterans Day.
While holidays like “Mother’s Day” and “Father’s Day” include apostrophes, Veterans Day diverges. Unlike those intended for celebration, Veterans Day was officially established as a national holiday by the U.S. Congress in 1938, carrying a solemn tone of remembrance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains that apostrophes are omitted because they imply possession. Veterans view Veterans Day, dedicated parks, and other ceremonial occasions as tributes to their sacrifices, rather than as possessions. Therefore, apostrophes, suggesting ownership, are left out.
Originally named Armistice Day on November 11, 1927, to commemorate the end of World War I, it later transitioned into Veterans Day. Instances like this demonstrate that deliberate apostrophe omission aligns with the principles that the Park and its annual memorials aim to uphold and convey. Veterans Memorial Park is committed to serving as a place of reflection, honor, and tribute to the nation’s veterans. Hence, the absence of an apostrophe is intentional.
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