It occurs to me that all the November Holidays are American ones. So, I figured I would add this one with a little explanation. November 11th is Veteran's Day here in the USA. Originally it was called Armistice Day because on "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" in 1918, an armistice, (a temporary peace) was declared in WWI. It was originally meant to remember those who had served in that war. Somewhere along the way, it became a day to remember all Veteran's in all branches. It's usually marked by Parades.

Hope that helps here.

DISCLAIMER: I own a Veteran, actually, my darling husband served 6 years in the Air Force, but don't own these guys.

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November 11 – Veteran's Day

Lisbon was in her office trying to catch up on the mountain of paperwork that Jane's latest antics had produced. The apology letter was now a standard form in her computer. All she did was change a few details and the names. She was glad for the interruption when Rigsby knocked on her door.

"Hey, Boss? It's time. We gotta roll now if we are going to make it in time."

Lisbon glanced at the small clock on her desk. She had been so absorbed she didn't even realize how late it had gotten.

"Are we all ready?"

"Yeah. I got the SUV and the Van ready in case we needed them both. It will depend on how many of us there are."

"Ok, I'm coming right now"

Just as she walked passed Jane's sofa, she kicked it hard.

"It's time. Are you coming? You don't have to, you know, but still."

"No, I want to come."

Van Pelt looked up from her computer completely confused.

"Where are we going? Do we have a case?"

Minelli strode into the bullpen followed by Sam Bosco and 3 other agents. Hearing her question, he turned on Lisbon.

"Did no one think to tell the rookie here?"

Lisbon winced inwardly. She was sure Rigsby would have said something to Van Pelt by now, but wouldn't let anyone else on her team take the fall.

"No, sir. Come on Van Pelt. Put your badge up high on your jacket where it can be seen and come with us. I'll explain on the way."

By the time they arrived, the group numbered about 15. It was fortunate they had official vehicles with lights to get through the crowded and closed streets. Strictly speaking, this was not completely an authorized used of Bureau Vehicles. But since Minelli and his boss were with them, they weren't too worried.

They managed to park only a block away. Hurrying down the street behind Rigsby and Conlon, who was a similar build, they made it to parade route easily. The uniformed cop took note of all the badges and waved them through the barricade. They all lined up and waited. They had timed it just right.

Just as the unit they were awaiting came up the street into view, Minelli called it.

"CBI Detail, Ten hut!"

All 15 agents, whipped to attention. The crowd around them looked puzzled but watched respectfully.

Just as Kimball Cho, in fatigues, marching with his old unit hit their block, the next command was rapped out.

"Order Arms"

As a group, they all snapped a hand salute. There was a sudden quiet as the crowd around them watched as the agents saluted one of their own who had served. Even the cops on the detail had stopped and saluted. They all knew what just happened.

Cho's eyes darted over for only a second. The expression on his face didn't move, but they knew he had seen them, as he had ever year on Veteran's Day. After his unit moved passed, Minelli gave the last order and they all filed back behind the barricades and to work.

It was only a moment each year. It was never discussed. It was simply done. They knew why. Veteran's Day was not about sales, it was about service to one's country.

I know this is a little different then the usual fun fluff, but I am sure those people from around the world who read this will relate to those people who serve to defend their countries.