Apostrophe Ambiguity

My Veterans Day post concerning to apostrophe or not to apostrophe garnered at least as many hits via search engines as any other single post I’ve written. Seems that we are an apostrophe-challenged society, but I’m heartened to see how many people are searching for correct usage.

So now as I write notices to close libraries on Presidents/Presidents’/President’s Day, I am moved to write another apostrophe post. So I went to Wikipedia, and found that all 3 have instances of correct usage:

President’s Day — when speaking of only one president

Presidents’ Day — when recognizing multiple presidents

Presidents Day — favored by the Associated Press Stylebook, which is followed by journalists and public relations folks

So, in case you’re wondering, I settled on Presidents Day. Have a good one, if you’re lucky enough to get it off. And, in keeping with U.S. Senate tradition since 1862, read George Washington’s Farewell Address.

Washington’s Farewell Address, from The Papers of George Washington at the University of Virginia:
Handwritten Facsimile
Transcription

Veterans Day – no apostrophe

Next month there are 2 American federal holidays – Veterans Day (always November 11th) and Thanksgiving (celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November – this year November 22nd).

Many libraries will be putting up signs – “Closed for Veterans Day.” One of my pet peeves (gosh, there are so many) is misplaced apostrophes. And because of my family involvement, Veterans Day is important to me. So, please forgive me for this soapbox pitch . . . . “Veterans Day” has no apostrophe.

And good librarian that I am, here’s my source from an FAQ on the website of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs:

Q. Which is the correct spelling of Veterans Day?
a. “Veterans Day”
b. “Veteran’s Day”
c. “Veterans’ Day”

A. Veterans Day (choice a, above).Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an “s” at the end of “veterans” because it is not a day that “belongs” to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.