Veteran's Day, Leonardo DiCaprio and The Sun

1. Happy Veteran's Day! Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, Veteran's Day celebrates American military veterans for their brave service. Today at the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th year, the Garrison at Fort Belvoir will hold a brief ceremony. Stay in touch with Patch for a photo gallery and story. 

2. On Nov. 11, 1839, the Virginia Military Institute was founded in Lexington.   

3. This date in 1918 marked the end of World War I. Germany signed the armistice in a railroad car in Compiègne, France, on the 11th hour of the 11th month on the 11th day. Exactly 24 years later, Germany completes its occupation of France.  

4. Are you a fan of Spinal Tap? To honor Nigel Tufnel’s amplifier, which went up to 11 instead of the usual 10, thousands around the world will celebrate Nigel Tufnel Day (more than 20,000 people have joined the Facebook group “Declare 11/11/11 Nigel Tufnel Day”). 

5. American actor Leonardo DiCaprio turns 37 today. Other notable birthdays include Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881), American General George Patton (1885-1945), American novelist Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007), American comedian Jonathan Winters (b.1925), U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) (b.1940), American game show host Marc Summers (b.1951), American actor Stanley Tucci (b.1960) and American actress Demi Moore (b.1962).

6. The weather will be sunny and cool with a high near 53 degrees. Friday evening will be clear with a low of about 31, according to the National Weather Service.