The Living Honor of America's Veterans
Veterans Day traces its origins to November 11, 1918—the historic eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—when Allied forces and Germany enacted an armistice silencing the Western Front of World War I. Originally proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson as Armistice Day, the annual commemoration celebrated the return of peace, international fellowship, and the heroic sacrifices of those who served.
In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming the federal observance Veterans Day, expanding its scope to honor American service members of all conflicts. Unlike Memorial Day's solemn mourning for the fallen, Veterans Day warmly thanks living veterans across every branch for their devotion, selfless courage, and enduring civic leadership.
Milestones of Veterans Day
From the Armistice of 1918 to nationwide commemoration of military service
The Great War Armistice
At 11:00 AM on November 11, the guns fell silent along the Western Front, concluding World War I combat.
Wilson Proclaims Armistice Day
President Woodrow Wilson establishes November 11 for solemn reflection, thanksgiving, and international peace.
Permanent Federal Legal Holiday
Congress officially enacts November 11 as a dedicated federal holiday consecrated to the cause of world peace.
Eisenhower Signs Veterans Day Act
Public Law 380 renames the holiday Veterans Day, expanding honor to veterans of all wars and peacetime service.
Return to November 11
President Gerald Ford signs legislation returning the holiday permanently to its sacred November 11 date.
How America Observes Veterans Day
National ceremonies, community marches, and moments of heartfelt gratitude
Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony
At exactly 11:00 AM, the nation's leaders lay a presidential wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by ceremonies in the Memorial Amphitheater.
National Veterans Day Parades
Hundreds of cities across America—including the renowned New York City parade up Fifth Avenue—host marches of veterans, active units, and school bands.
The 11:00 AM Moment of Silence
Communities, workplaces, and schools pause for two minutes of reverent silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in solidarity with all veterans.
Remembrance Poppies & Lapel Pins
Volunteers from the VFW and American Legion distribute bright red memorial poppies to wear on lapels, supporting disabled veterans and their families.
Ways to Honor & Participate
Meaningful opportunities to show gratitude, connect with veterans, and serve communities
Did You Know? Facts About Veterans Day
Historical origins, statutory distinctions, and fascinating traditions
The 11-11-11 Alignment
World War I hostilities ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, inspiring the universal timing observed to this day.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in the line of duty; Veterans Day thanks all living and past service members who served honorably in war or peace.
Emporia's Forgotten Champion
Alvin J. King, an Emporia, Kansas cobbler who lost a nephew in WWII, organized the first town 'Veterans Day' in 1953, inspiring the federal law signed by Eisenhower.
Spelled Without an Apostrophe
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the holiday is officially spelled 'Veterans Day' with no apostrophe because it belongs to all veterans collectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Federal observance guidelines, mail delivery, and retail hours for Veterans Day
Memorial Day (observed the last Monday in May) honors military personnel who died in service of their country. Veterans Day (November 11) honors all American military veterans who served honorably, with special appreciation for living service members.
Yes. While federal offices and the U.S. bond market (SIFMA) are closed on Veterans Day, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ equity markets remain open for regular trading hours.
If November 11 falls on a Saturday, federal employees generally observe the holiday on the preceding Friday (November 10). If it falls on a Sunday, the federal holiday is observed on the following Monday (November 12). Traditional ceremonies and parades often occur on both the actual date and the observed day.
Yes. Because Veterans Day is an official federal holiday (5 U.S.C. 6103), federal courts, United States Postal Service locations, and executive branch agencies are closed, with regular mail delivery suspended. The Federal Reserve is closed, so most retail banks also take the day off.
November 11 marks the historic armistice ending World War I combat in 1918. When Congress temporarily moved Veterans Day to an October Monday in 1971, nationwide opposition was so overwhelming that President Gerald Ford signed a law in 1975 restoring the holiday permanently to November 11 starting in 1978.
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