Veterans Day
United States
About
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to recognize the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of veterans who have defended the nation in times of peace and conflict.
Communities mark the occasion with ceremonies, parades, educational programs, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. Veterans Day also offers an opportunity to listen to veterans’ experiences, support veteran-focused organizations, and reflect on the importance of service and freedom.
History
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice that ended major hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson issued a message in 1919 calling for the first observance of Armistice Day, and Congress made it a federal holiday in 1938. The day was initially focused on honoring the veterans and fallen soldiers of World War I, with ceremonies, parades, and public reflections on the hope for lasting peace.
After World War II and the Korean War, the meaning of the observance broadened. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This change recognized veterans of all U.S. wars rather than focusing solely on World War I. Veterans Day consequently became an occasion to honor all people who have served in the United States Armed Forces, whether they served during wartime or in periods of peace.
The date has remained November 11 because it preserves the historical connection to the 1918 armistice. Although federal holiday legislation in 1968 temporarily placed several holidays on Mondays to create more three-day weekends, Veterans Day was observed under that schedule for a time before Congress restored its observance to November 11 in 1978. When November 11 falls on a weekend, federal workplace observance may be arranged on a nearby weekday, but the holiday itself is observed on November 11.
Culturally, Veterans Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, speeches, flag displays, and tributes at memorials, schools, and veterans’ organizations. It is distinct from Memorial Day: Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day specifically remembers service members who died in military service. The observance offers Americans an opportunity to recognize the experiences and contributions of veterans and to consider the obligations of citizenship, military service, and peace.