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Veterans Day
A U.S. federal holiday honoring all who have served in the armed forces.
Veterans Day is a national observance in the United States held every year on November 11. It recognizes the service of all military veterans, regardless of whether they served during wartime or peace. The date marks the end of the First World War hostilities in 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, it was renamed to include all veterans in 1954.
When is Veterans Day kept?
Veterans Day is kept on annually on November 11.
This American public holiday honors everyone who has worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Held on November 11 each year, it marks the ceasefire that ended the First World War. While it began as a day to remember that specific conflict, it now celebrates all living and deceased veterans. Federal offices close, and parades are held across the country to show respect for their service.
Origins and history
The observance began after the First World War ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day in 1919. Congress made it a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954, veteran organizations urged a change. They wanted the day to honor all veterans, not just those from the Great War. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill renaming it Veterans Day. This shift reflected a broader appreciation for military service across all conflicts.
How it is kept
Parades take place in towns and cities throughout the nation. People gather to march and watch processions featuring veterans groups. Many schools and businesses close for the day. Federal employees receive paid time off. Non-essential government offices shut down. Mail delivery stops. A moment of silence is often observed at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Time. Some private companies offer floating holidays, letting workers choose when to take the day off.
Distinctions and related days
People sometimes confuse this holiday with Memorial Day. Memorial Day occurs in May and honors those who died in service. Veterans Day focuses on all who served, living or dead. Armed Forces Day also falls in May but honors current military personnel. Women Veterans Day is recognized by some states to specifically acknowledge female service members. These separate dates ensure different aspects of military life are remembered distinctly.
Etiquette and spelling
The official name uses no apostrophe. It is written as Veterans Day, not Veteran's Day. This reflects that the day belongs to no single person but honors all who served. The Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes this grammatical point. Visitors should use the correct spelling in formal contexts. Respectful behavior is expected at ceremonies. Standing during the national anthem and moments of silence shows proper regard for the occasion.
How Veterans Day is kept
Communities hold parades and ceremonies. Federal offices close. People observe a moment of silence. Schools may dismiss early. Veterans wear uniforms or display medals. Families attend local events to show support. The day is marked by quiet reflection and public gatherings.
When and where
It falls on November 11 every year. If the date lands on a weekend, federal workers often observe it on the adjacent Friday or Monday. The date remains fixed regardless of the day of the week.
It is observed throughout the United States. It is strongest in communities with large veteran populations. Parades occur in nearly every town and city. Federal buildings fly flags at half-staff in some instances.
What Veterans Day means
The day symbolizes gratitude for military service. It represents national unity and peace. The date recalls the end of major hostilities in 1918. It honors sacrifice and duty. The lack of an apostrophe signifies inclusivity for all veterans.
Questions people ask about Veterans Day
When is Veterans Day kept?
Veterans Day is kept on annually on November 11.
Where is Veterans Day kept?
Veterans Day belongs to the traditions of United States.
Who keeps Veterans Day?
As our sources describe it, Veterans Day is kept by U.S. military veterans and their families. Many other communities and families now share it too.
See also
Independence DayThe United States' national day of parades, barbecues and fireworks, kept each July 4
Bastille DayFrance's national day marking the storming of the Bastille and the unity of the people on 14 July.
Martin Luther King Jr. DayAn American federal holiday honouring the civil rights leader with service and remembrance
Labor DayA national American holiday honouring the working class with parades and picnicsGood reading and sources
- Veterans Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Veterans Day", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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