Today, as you probably already know, is Veterans Day in the United States. Formerly known as Armistice Day (and still known as that in other countries), Veterans day is a federal holiday that is celebrated every year on November 11th in honor of our military veterans.

As long at the November 11th falls on a weekday, that’s when it is celebrated. That’s due to the significance of the number “11” when it comes to WWI. The armistice that formally ended major hostilities was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. So this year, at least numerically, is a pretty special Veterans Day. The fact that it’s 2011 makes this Veterans day a real 11/11/11 celebration.

But of course, it’s not about numbers – it’s about the near 25 million U.S. military veterans (and active service members) that work hard every day to promote the well being of the country.

Google’s Veterans Day Doodle is a simple representation of hope, memory, and vigilance. In the logo, Google is written in the clouds, except for the “L.” That is represented by a tree, bearing the yellow ribbon – a symbol that has become synonymous with remembering our military men and women.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released this video to honor the holiday. But they also want to reach out and convey the message that Veterans Day is not just about celebrating our troops on one day a year. It’s about showing gratitude year-round.

The President will honor Veterans Day with a breakfast at the White House and a laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

And Veterans Day will also be celebrated in a unique way today – with a little college basketball. Michigan State will play North Carolina will play the first ever game on an Naval aircraft carrier in front of 7,000 people this afternoon. The game will be played on the USS Carl Vinson, the same ship that carried Osama bin Laden to his sea burial.