Why do we have national public holidays? What does each—and what do all—contribute to our common life as Americans? The American Calendar explores the purpose and meaning of our civic holidays, showing how their repeated celebration helps unite and identify us as a people and attaches us to our country.

Celebrating Veterans Day
Why should a peace-seeking nation honor its fighting servicemen and servicewomen? Reflect on the idea of national service and the debts we owe our veterans, in times both of war and of peace.