Veterans Day — United States holiday honoring military veterans

Common observances and traditions

Typical observances include public ceremonies, parades, veteran reunions, moments of silence, and official wreath-laying events at monuments and military cemeteries. Many communities host parades and programs that feature veteran speakers, honor guards, and bands. At some institutions and businesses federal employees receive a day off; many volunteer organizations and schools run educational programs to explain military service and veteran issues. A two-minute moment of silence or a pause at 11:00 a.m. is often observed to recall the original armistice time.

Historical development

The holiday began as Armistice Day, first observed in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson issued messages recognizing the significance of the armistice and encouraged observance. In 1938 Congress made Armistice Day a legal federal holiday to honor World War I veterans. After World War II and the Korean War, lawmakers expanded the scope of the day to honor all who served in the U.S. military; in 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day and the change was signed into law at the federal level. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act temporarily moved the federal observance to a Monday in the early 1970s, but public preference led Congress to restore the date to November 11 in 1978.

Legal status and distinctions

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning federal government offices are closed and federal employees generally have the day off. States may observe the holiday in various ways; some hold additional ceremonies or provide state-level recognitions. It is distinct from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), which honors those who died in military service, and from Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May), which honors those currently serving. The U.S. holiday corresponds in date to Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in other countries, which mark the end of World War I but may have different emphases and traditions.

Importance and public role

Veterans Day serves several functions: public recognition of military service, education about veterans' contributions and needs, and civic remembrance. It prompts discussions about veterans' access to health care, employment, and benefits, and it offers communities a chance to thank neighbors who served. Schools and media commonly use the day to explain the historical context of World War I and subsequent conflicts and to highlight stories of individual veterans from local communities.

Further reading and official resources

• Overview of Veterans Day and its meaning
• History of Armistice Day and transition to Veterans Day
• Federal holiday status and observance guidelines
• Ceremonies and national commemorations
• State-level observances and variations
• Comparisons with Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day
• Educational resources for teachers and schools
• Veterans’ organizations and community support
• Guidance on hosting local ceremonies
• Remembrance practices in other countries
• Historical documents relating to 1918 armistice
• Records of early Armistice Day proclamations
• Legislative history of the 1954 name change
• Information on uniformed services and benefits
• Resources for veterans and families