"Are you not going to school tomorrow? Why not?" Many parents might hear this question from their kids tonight.

Tomorrow is November 11th, Wednesday, Veterans Day. It's a holiday in the middle of the week, making scheduling a bit tricky.

However, it's a day that deserves more than just being brushed off as "just a day for soldiers." So, let's quickly clarify whether schools are closed and gather some topics to discuss with your child.

First, let's address the most pressing question. Public schools in California are generally closed tomorrow.

California Education Code 37220 specifically states that November 11th is a day when public schools must close.

Interestingly, this holiday is different from others. While school boards can vote to change holiday dates, Veterans Day is excluded from that.

Requests for exemptions from the state education board are also not allowed. The law is quite firm about this date.

San Diego Unified also lists November 11th as a holiday on their calendar sites for the 2026-27 academic year.

However, I haven't personally checked the official district calendar. So, please double-check on your school app or the district's website.

If your child attends a private school or charter school, it's best to verify their specific school calendar. After-school programs and daycare may operate separately, so be sure to ask today.

Now, let's move on to topics to discuss with your child. I think three questions are sufficient.

The first question is, "Why November 11th?" The answer is quite fascinating.

At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, the guns fell silent on the Western Front of World War I. The date and time are easy for kids to remember because the numbers align.

Originally, it was called Armistice Day, commemorating the ceasefire. President Wilson declared the first observance in 1919, and it became a legal holiday in 1938.

The name changed to Veterans Day in 1954, to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I.

If you have older kids, they might find this part interesting too. Due to a law in 1968, the holiday was briefly moved to a Monday, and in 1971 it was observed on October 25th.

After some confusion, the law was amended in 1975, and since 1978, it has returned to November 11th. I appreciate that they chose the significance of the date over a three-day weekend.

The second question is, "How is it different from Memorial Day?" This is a point even adults often confuse.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died while serving the country. Veterans Day is a day to express gratitude to all who have served, including those who are still alive.

You can explain it to your child like this: "Today is a day to say thank you to those around us who have served."

The third question is, "What does this have to do with our family?" This is a great connection for Korean families.

The U.S. military participated in the Korean War, which began in 1950. And the armistice signed in 1953 was not a peace treaty but a ceasefire, also called an armistice in English.

When you point out that the word from 1918 and the word from 1953 are the same, your child's expression will change. It's a moment when history suddenly becomes personal.

Of course, there are also concerns. Some people feel that honoring soldiers can seem like glorifying war, while others believe that respecting service itself should come first.

I don't think the two have to conflict. We can discuss the rights and wrongs of war separately from expressing gratitude to those who served.

If you have a teenager, consider posing these questions directly. It's a great opportunity to practice listening to each other's opinions without needing a right answer.

Also, keep in mind that San Diego has many military families, so your child's friend's parents might be in the military. Just remind them to be cautious about probing anyone about their war experiences.

If you have time tomorrow, showing them in person is the quickest way to engage. The San Diego Veterans Day Parade will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Harbor Drive downtown.

The County Administration Building is the starting point, and admission is free. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, making it a good opportunity to discuss the Gulf War.

Schedules may change, so check the USS Midway Museum event page before heading out. I would suggest arriving a bit early to secure a spot near the front with your child.

You don't need to prepare anything elaborate. Just by looking at the clock together at 11 a.m. and saying, "This is the time it happened," it will make tomorrow feel more significant than just a day off.