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The Legislature Thursday will celebrate Veterans Day on Veterans Day - about six weeks before a new state law will make it mandatory.

Marian Forness of Rancho Cordova inspired the statutory change with a letter to The Bee complaining about the Senate honoring Veterans Day last year on a Friday, not a Wednesday, so that employees could enjoy a three-day weekend.

"So much for concern for the veterans," said Forness, whose late husband served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. "I hope all veterans remember this when it comes to election time."

Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Atwater, cited Forness' letter to the editor in proposing Senate Bill 1057, which requires that state offices and institutions, including the Legislature, honor Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Under SB 1057, if Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, state offices will close on the preceding Friday. If the holiday occurs on a Sunday, state employees will take Monday off.

Signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bill will take effect Jan. 1.

Nationwide, Nov. 11 is the traditional date to honor Veterans Day, which began as a tribute to the end of World War I and later was expanded to applaud all veterans.

Last year's Senate decision to parlay celebration of the holiday into a three-day weekend was not unprecedented. In 2008, both houses of the Legislature honored Veterans Day on a Monday, Nov. 10.

Forness said today that it "breaks my heart" when people disrespect the sacrifices made by veterans.

"If they don't want to honor (Veterans Day), then go to work -- but don't take another day off," she said.

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