Veterans Day in the United States
Veterans Day in the United States is a national observance held annually on November 11 to honor and thank all military personnel who have served the country—particularly living veterans. The day is marked across the nation through parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence, recognizing the bravery and dedication of American service members.
Some schools and businesses close, while others stay open and hold assemblies or educational programs. Although the official date is November 11, many communities move events to the closest weekend to allow greater public participation.
Holiday Closures
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal government offices close on November 11. If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, offices close on Friday (November 10). If it falls on a Sunday, they close on Monday (November 12). State and local offices, as well as private employers, determine their own schedules. Public transportation systems may also adjust service accordingly.
Historical Background
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first Armistice Day, encouraging Americans to honor the heroism of those who served.
In 1926, Congress passed a resolution calling for nationwide observance. The National Archives provides historical records showing how Americans marked the occasion with prayers, public meetings, and flag ceremonies.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
Originally meant to honor World War I veterans, Armistice Day became a legal federal holiday in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, lawmakers responded to calls from veterans organizations and renamed it Veterans Day in 1954, expanding its purpose to honor all American veterans, regardless of when or where they served.
Restoring the Original Date
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act, which moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, the change led to confusion, and many states ignored the adjustment. To resolve this, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 in 1975, officially restoring the observance to November 11 beginning in 1978.
