Which is correct?

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cfz3
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Which is correct?

Postby cfz3 » Wed Nov 11, 2020 11:00 am

Today's Good Word email has two different spellings for the day:
Veteran's Day and Veterans Day. Which is correct? -cf

brogine
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Re: Which is correct?

Postby brogine » Wed Nov 11, 2020 2:56 pm

OED has ‘Veterans Day’ or ‘Veterans’ Day’.

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Dr. Goodword
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Re: Which is correct?

Postby Dr. Goodword » Mon Nov 16, 2020 11:24 pm

OED is always correct. Thanks for the tip.
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Re: Which is correct?

Postby Dr. Goodword » Tue Feb 02, 2021 10:50 am

These two variants have different meanings, both of which fit the referent. Veterans' Day means "the day that belongs to veterans" and Veterans Day means "the day of (having something to do with) veterans". The second sense refers to anything having to do with veterans, but since we all know what that relation is, it passes muster. All nouns used as "relational adjectives" are equally broad and work for the same reason: breakfast cereal, radio program, car emissions, etc.
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