Think About it -- Veterans Day (no Apostrophe)

Resources Think About it -- Veterans Day (no Apostrophe)
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Carl Chinn

Nov 7, 2026

As we move towards Veterans Day, 2026 I am deeply moved by appreciation of our veterans.

Dad recalled one of his Great Uncles, an American Civil War veteran, who had only one arm. He was standing by a tree leaning on his arm stretched to the tree, when a shot from the enemy across the field shattered his arm. Military field doctors could not save it.

Then Dad served in WWII in the 1940’s. Then my brother served the Army in 1969 and 1970. Then two of our sons and a son-in-law served the military in the 21^st century. Like so many of us, we know personal stories of family service over 3 American centuries. There is probably more, but those records weren’t kept by family.

I doubt my great great uncle gave much (if any) thought to posterity of the Chinn name, or the soon-to-be rebuilt nation, as he lay in that 1860’s hospital tent on the battle grounds. I know Dad was just trying to stay alive as he treaded water in the Pacific after his ship was sunk.

Because of their service however, and the service of your sons, brothers, dads, great uncles and ancestors, we are a better nation and better individuals than if they had all, or any one, stepped away from their service.

This is an anniversary to not be self-absorbed by what we do (career, volunteer or leisure activity). It is a time to be thankful for what others have done for us.

Take a break and a breath. Celebrate Veterans Day by stopping to honor those you knew, and those you didn’t, who gave their best years to service in the American military.

Think about it

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there is only one way appropriate to write “Veterans Day.” It is not “Veteran’s Day” or “Veterans’ Day.” Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe but does have an “s.”

Because it does not “belong to” the veterans. It is not to be written in the possessive. It is a day for honoring all veterans.

At first that seemed offensive to me, but it became humbling to understand. I never served, but those who did, don’t own (possess) the day.

They did it for me. And for you.

⚓ A SPECIAL VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE — WATCH NOW!

Carl's father, Jack Chinn, was aboard the USS Princeton when it was struck during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944.

He survived the sinking of his ship, finding himself in the waters of the Pacific, fighting to stay alive.

What happened aboard the USS Princeton that day? What did Jack witness, and how did he survive?

In honor of Veterans Day, we're privileged to share Jack Chinn's firsthand account of the sinking of the USS Princeton — a remarkable piece of WWII history told by a man who lived it.

🎥 WATCH: WWII Veteran Jack Chinn: Surviving the Sinking of the USS PRINCETON

We encourage you to take a few moments to listen, reflect, and share Jack's story with others. These firsthand accounts are becoming increasingly rare, and the sacrifices they represent should never be forgotten.

🇺🇸 Their stories deserve to be remembered. Their service deserves our gratitude.

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