Join the Town of Pittsford and the American Legion Rayson-Miller Post 899 in honoring those who have served or are currently serving in the United States armed forces. The annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Veterans Monument in Carpenter Park at the Port of Pittsford, 22 North Main Street.
The ceremony will include a presentation of colors, placement of wreaths, a rifle salute, and the playing of “Taps.” A public reception will follow at the American Legion Post, located at 21 North Main Street. All are welcome to attend this meaningful tribute to our veterans.
Honoring our Veterans
Each year, Veterans Day falls on November 11, the date that marked the end of World War 1. At 11:00am on November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allied nations and Germany, bringing an end to the brutal conflict. Initially celebrated as “Armistice Day” to honor WWI veterans, the holiday was renamed in 1954 to “Veterans Day,” a day to honor all United States military veterans. Learn more about the history behind Veterans Day at VA.gov, which is the website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA.gov is a comprehensive resource that connects Veterans, their families, caregivers, and the general public to information and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA). It offers easy access to essential benefits, including health care, disability compensation, education and training, home loans, and burial and memorial services. The site also helps Veterans manage appointments, refill prescriptions, file or track claims, and find nearby VA facilities. USVA offers guidance on support programs, survivor benefits, and community resources. Beyond direct services, the USVA educates the public about Veterans’ contributions and, through the Veterans Day National Committee, executes national observances, including the national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Each year, the Veterans Day National Committee selects artwork from across the country for its official Veterans Day poster, which symbolizes pride and patriotism while highlighting the year’s commemorative theme. The 2025 winning design, "Unified by Service" by Jeremy D. Carpenter, captures the theme “Service to Our Nation” by bringing all uniformed services together under one flag and purpose. Carpenter describes his work as formal, structured, and patriotic, honoring everyone who has served, no matter the uniform, battlefield, or generation, and emphasizing unity, honor, and dedication to freedom through the eagle, flag, and service seals. The poster will be displayed in VA facilities, military bases, and municipal buildings nationwide, and will appear on the cover of the official Veterans Day program at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11. Download this year’s poster and view a gallery of previous winners on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
How to Thank a Veteran
This year’s Veterans Day theme, “Service to Our Nation,” reminds us that although veterans wear many different uniforms, they are united by a common purpose — to serve something larger than themselves. That same spirit of unity can guide us in how we thank and honor them. Genuine appreciation isn’t just expressed in words but through connection.
Expressing gratitude to a veteran can be tricky because each veteran’s experience is deeply personal and varies greatly. Some appreciate being thanked, while others might feel uncomfortable, especially if their service involved trauma or loss. For some, “thank you for your service” may seem impersonal or trite, especially if it’s not accompanied by genuine understanding or sincere engagement. Others might prefer that appreciation be shown through actions, such as supporting veterans’ causes, volunteering, or advocating for better services, rather than just words. The most important thing to remember when approaching vets is to be respectful, sincere, and to listen if they want to share their stories. Also, understand that gratitude can take many meaningful forms beyond just a simple phrase.
A 2016 Va.gov article titled “How to thank a Veteran 101" touches on this topic and offers alternatives to saying “thank you.” They include:
- Volunteer at an event focused on helping Veterans
- If you know a Veteran, write a simple postcard or e-card that recognizes them
- Make donations to non-profit Veterans organizations
- Visit a Veteran at your local hospital on a holiday or weekend
- Get to know that Veteran by inviting them to a game of basketball or a run
- Offering the Veteran a discount if you are a business owner/manager
The author encourages readers to get to know a veteran by engaging in conversation, and then gradually say “thank you.” Taking the time to converse with a veteran genuinely shows authentic interest in who they are and what their service means, rather than offering a quick or obligatory thanks. That small act of listening and kindness can make a meaningful impact, reminding veterans that their experiences and sacrifices are recognized and valued.
As we observe Veterans Day, let’s remember that honoring those who served goes beyond ceremonies and slogans. It’s about building understanding, fostering community, and carrying forward the values of service and respect they represent. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, volunteering, or simply taking a moment to listen, each of us can play a part in expressing our gratitude in a way that truly matters.
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