Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11 in the United States, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, this observance began in 1919, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. On that date, major hostilities ceased with the signing of an armistice between Germany and the Allied forces, marking a hopeful turning point for peace after a prolonged and devastating conflict. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month became symbolic of the day’s meaning. Other countries, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, also observe the end of World War I through Remembrance Day on the same date.
In 1926, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution asking President Calvin Coolidge to issue annual proclamations for national observance on November 11, recognizing the sacrifices made for peace. This act led to a federal declaration in 1938, making November 11 a national holiday known as Armistice Day, specifically honoring those who fought in World War I. However, following the large-scale participation of American soldiers in World War II and the Korean War, a broader recognition was proposed by Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran from Birmingham, Alabama. Weeks advocated for a day that would honor all U.S. veterans, not just those who had served in World War I. He organized the first national celebration for veterans in 1947, earning him later recognition as the “Father of Veterans Day.”
In 1954, with bipartisan support in Congress and backed by major veterans’ organizations, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill officially renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The holiday was then intended to honor all veterans who have served in the military, whether during peacetime or wartime, marking a broader tribute to those who contributed to the nation’s security and freedoms. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service, and from Armed Forces Day in May, which recognizes active military personnel.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, passed in 1968, shifted several federal holidays, including Veterans Day, to Mondays to provide a three-day weekend. However, the decision to change Veterans Day’s date proved unpopular, as many felt it lost its historical significance. In 1978, the holiday returned to its original date, November 11, emphasizing its roots in commemorating the end of World War I. Today, if November 11 falls on a weekend, government employees may observe the holiday on the closest weekday.
On Veterans Day, federal offices and many schools are closed, and numerous parades and ceremonies honor veterans nationwide. The holiday serves as a time for Americans to express gratitude and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who served. Traditionally, two minutes of silence are encouraged at 2:11 p.m. EST to reflect on veterans’ service and the price of peace.
The official spelling, “Veterans Day,” uses no apostrophe, as it is intended as a day to honor all veterans rather than denote ownership. Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the strength and unity of a nation that respects and remembers its defenders, symbolizing both the enduring peace achieved through shared sacrifice and the respect owed to all who have served.