Occasions
Veterans Day in the US: date, flowers and a personal thank-you
United States · Nationwide
Veterans Day is November 11 and honors those who served in the United States Armed Forces in wartime or peacetime. For a personal thank-you you could choose carnations or gerberas with a card. For a floral tribute at a ceremony the event determines the format, rather than the bouquet you would take to someone’s home.
Upcoming calendar dates
United States
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Veterans Day and Memorial Day are different
November 11 recognizes veterans’ service, with particular emphasis on living veterans. Those who have died are remembered too. Memorial Day honors those who died during military service and falls on the last Monday in May.
The calendar occasion stays on November 11 even if a substitute day off or a local parade falls on another date. Use the specific event programme when planning to attend.
Flowers and a card to say thank you
For a personal gift we suggest carnations in a compact bouquet with a vase. Gerberas are another option if you want to focus on color. Choose around the recipient’s tastes; these are gift suggestions rather than official Veterans Day flowers.
A card could say “Thank you for your service. I wanted to send you a small gift today.” When ordering explain that this is a personal thank-you and specify the container and delivery. For example: “I would like a small bouquet with a vase for a veteran. Please deliver it to their home on November 11 with this card.”
Ceremony flowers: decide how you will participate first
The national ceremony at Arlington includes a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Attending as a visitor and placing a tribute are different roles. If your association is preparing a wreath agree on the event, receiving point and format before ordering.
Arlington has its own process for requesting public wreath ceremonies. These are subject to availability and participants provide the wreath. A request does not reserve a role in the November 11 national ceremony. For another venue check its programme and conditions.
Which flowers to choose
Compare flowers to choose the format, colours and care that suit the occasion.
Guides to help with your decision
Memorial Day in the US: date and flowers for a tribute
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May. Flowers for a tribute, Arlington rules and the difference from Veterans Day and a personal graveside visit.
Which flowers to give as a thank-you
Which flowers to give to thank a friend, colleague or professional. Ideas for the card, a group gift and an agreed handover.
How to order flowers from a distance and plan delivery
How to send flowers from afar and choose the format, date and handover. Includes UK letterbox flowers and addresses and deliveries in other countries.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need red poppies for Veterans Day?
They are not a required flower for the day. In the United States the traditional use of the poppy to remember the fallen is associated with Memorial Day. You do not need to order fresh-cut poppies to thank a veteran for their service.
Can a personal bouquet replace a ceremony wreath?
These are different orders. For someone’s home you can choose a bouquet with a vase. For a ceremony prepare the format agreed with the organizer and delivery to its receiving point. Do not buy a wreath assuming public attendance lets you place it.
Sources and what they support
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Veterans Day Facts and Information
Veterans Day on November 11 honors wartime and peacetime service, especially living veterans; distinguishes Memorial Day and traditional poppy use. Prescribes no personal flowers or local programme.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · National Veterans Day Ceremony
Annual November 11 national ceremony at Arlington with a wreath laying. Does not establish unrestricted public flower placement or a duty to give bouquets.
- Arlington National Cemetery · Request a Ceremony
Own public-ceremony request process: availability, possible changes and participant-provided wreath. Not a reservation for the national event or a rule for all venues.
- U.S. House of Representatives · 5 USC §6103
Veterans Day on November 11. A substitute federal day off does not move this editorial calendar date or determine commercial delivery.
How we put these guides together
We review dates, care and recommendations to help you plan each gift.
Spotted something we should review? Contact Agenda Floral.