98 Veterans Day Observance (031119) (Photos: Photo Gallery > National Holidays > Veterans Day)

Veterans Day was this past Tuesday, November 11, 2003. There were several events in the Twin Cities and the surrounding areas, starting last Sunday, November 9, 2003. The official state commemoration was held at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Minneapolis. We had a chance to attend the Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the state Capitol grounds, St. Paul. We could see color guards, rifle volleys, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, etc. while attending the ceremony. One of our staff bought a National flag at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. See our photo gallery on the ceremony. Check out our Newsletter 63 on Veterans Day.

Sources: "Veterans Day Observances", St. Paul Pioneer Press, Local News, November 8, 2003

Q(non-native speaker): If a person says, "I'm a veteran", it means that he served in some wars, doesn't it? In Japan people often introduce their friends as follows; "Mr. Miyagi is a veteran of Karate." Do you use "veteran" in this way? If so, how often do you say? I've never heard the expression. Here, they say, "Mr. Miyagi is a Karate expert."

A(native speaker): Yes, You are correct. When you say someone is a veteran in this country, it usually means they served in a war. I very seldom hear veteran used to mean expert in something. However, on occasion it may be used for someone who has been doing something for a long time. Like "He is a veteran chess tournament player" would mean that he has played in many chess tournaments over a long period. This is not common though, expert or professional is much more often used.

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