The Department of Defense has officially announced that military personnel will be allowed to wear their uniforms at Veterans Day events, even amidst the ongoing government shutdown. This decision comes after initial confusion caused by an email from the public affairs office at the Air Force’s 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing. The email had suggested that service members avoid participating in outreach activities while in uniform if the shutdown continued.
Clarification on Uniform Policy for Veterans Day
On October 29, concerns arose when the unofficial Facebook page, Air Force amn/nco/snco, shared a screenshot of this email, which led to discussions among service members about the appropriateness of wearing uniforms at community events during the shutdown. The directive from the 70th ISR Wing indicated that service members should refrain from engaging in outreach activities while in uniform, as these activities were meant to emphasize the impact of the shutdown.
However, in a recent reversal, a Pentagon official clarified that service members can indeed participate in Veterans Day events while wearing their uniforms. This clarification aligns with the understanding that such participation aids recruitment efforts, which are considered essential activities that can continue, even during a shutdown.
- Events Allowed in Uniform:
- Veterans Day parades
- Visiting schools to engage with students about military service
- Attending community outreach events without any “active outreach component” like speaking or throwing a pitch
- Events Requiring Civilian Dress:
- Acts that involve an active outreach component
Significance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is commemorated each year in the United States on November 11, marking the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that concluded World War I. Established as a national holiday in 1938, the day was originally known as Armistice Day, honoring World War I veterans. It was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to pay tribute to all American veterans.
Community celebrations are held across the nation, with one of the largest events taking place in New York City. This year, the annual Veterans Day Parade is expected to feature over 20,000 participants including units from the military. Former Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha, a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his courage during the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh, will serve as one of the grand marshals.
