Veterans Day, observed every November 11, honors all Americans who have served in the armed forces, in wartime or peacetime. It is a federal holiday, so many government offices, banks and schools close, while communities hold parades, ceremonies and moments of silence. Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers those who died in service, Veterans Day thanks living veterans as well. It is one of the few holidays tied to a fixed date and time: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day. Fighting in World War I stopped at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, when an armistice between the Allies and Germany took effect. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, calling for ceremonies and a pause in business at 11 a.m.
Congress made Armistice Day a legal federal holiday in 1938, dedicated to world peace and to honoring World War I veterans. After World War II and the Korean War, veterans' groups pushed to broaden the holiday. One of them, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, organized a 'National Veterans Day' event in 1947 and championed the idea for years.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day, honoring veterans of all wars. In 1971, the holiday was briefly moved to a Monday in October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, but many states kept November 11. Because of the date's historical significance, Congress returned the holiday to November 11 beginning in 1978, where it remains.
Why Veterans Day Matters
Around 18 million Americans are veterans. Many carry the experience of service, and sometimes injury, for the rest of their lives. Veterans Day gives the country a shared moment to recognize that commitment.
The day also keeps history alive. Its origins in the World War I armistice connect today's ceremonies to a century of American service and to the hope for lasting peace.
How to Celebrate Veterans Day
- Attend a local ceremony or parade: many towns hold events at 11 a.m.
- Thank a veteran personally: a sincere conversation or note often means more than a social media post.
- Record a story: the Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects veterans' oral histories.
- Support veterans' organizations: volunteer with or donate to groups serving veterans' health, housing and jobs.
- Observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to mark the original armistice.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, pause for a moment of silence at 11 a.m., recognize veteran colleagues with their permission, and consider supporting veteran hiring or employee resource groups. Schools often hold assemblies, invite veterans to speak, or have students write letters to residents of veterans' homes. Many restaurants and retailers offer veterans free meals or discounts, so share local offers with veterans you know. At home, families can visit a veterans memorial, display the flag, or help an older veteran record their story for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. If someone in your family served, ask them about their experience, and be ready to listen without pressing for details they don't want to share.
Fun Facts About Veterans Day
- World War I fighting stopped at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.
- Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
- The holiday was moved to October from 1971 to 1977, then returned to November 11 in 1978.
Veterans Day FAQs
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day honors everyone who has served. Memorial Day, in May, honors those who died in military service.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Yes. When November 11 falls on a weekend, federal offices observe it on the nearest weekday.
Is it Veterans Day or Veteran's Day?
The official spelling is Veterans Day, with no apostrophe, because it is a day for veterans, not one belonging to them.
Do schools close on Veterans Day?
It varies by district and state. Federal offices, banks and post offices close, but many schools stay open and hold Veterans Day programs.