Veterans Day is a federal holiday on November 11 that honors everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
It began in 1919 as Armistice Day, the first anniversary of the end of World War I fighting, and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
In 2026, Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11.
Why is Veterans Day on November 11?
Fighting in World War I ended with an armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany. It took effect on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month."
The armistice stopped the fighting, but the war formally ended later. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919.
How Did Armistice Day Become Veterans Day?
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day observance on Nov. 11, 1919. Communities marked it with parades and a 11 a.m. pause in business.
In 1938, Congress made Nov. 11 a legal holiday dedicated to world peace and honoring World War I Veterans. After World War II and the Korean War, Veteran service organizations pushed to broaden the day. In 1954, Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day, a holiday honoring Veterans of all wars.
Veterans Day Timeline
- 1918: The armistice ending World War I combat takes effect on Nov. 11.
- 1919: President Wilson proclaims the first Armistice Day.
- 1938: Congress makes Nov. 11 a legal holiday.
- 1954: Armistice Day becomes Veterans Day.
- 1968: Congress passes a law moving several holidays, including Veterans Day, to Mondays.
- 1975: President Gerald Ford signs a law returning the observance to Nov. 11, effective in 1978.
Why Did Veterans Day Move to Mondays and Then Move Back?
The 1968 law was meant to create more three-day weekends. The change caused confusion, and many people preferred the traditional date. Congress restored Nov. 11 as the observance date, and it has stayed there ever since, no matter what day of the week it lands on.
What's the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, living or deceased, and it's a good day to thank Veterans personally. Memorial Day, in May, remembers service members who died while serving. Armed Forces Day, also in May, recognizes people currently serving.
How is Veterans Day Observed Today?
The national observance takes place at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater, with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Cities and towns host parades, ceremonies, and community events. Many businesses offer discounts or free meals for Veterans and service members. Many people simply say thank you, or ask a Veteran about their service if the Veteran wants to share it.
Since then, it has always honored Veterans for their sacrifice to the U.S. With Veterans Day upon us, now is the time to thank Veterans for all they’ve done. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a federal agency, has also worked to repay and recognize what Veterans have done for our country, and it has programs in place. Designed to make the transition to civilian life easier and honor Veterans, programs like the VA home loan program have helped hundreds of thousands of Veterans.
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Current Version
Nov 11, 2026
Written ByMitch Casteel
Updated for Veterans Day 2026.
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