Veterans Day 2026  -   November 11th 

​The History of Veterans Day


1. Origins: Armistice Day (1918)Veterans Day traces its roots to the end of World War I.
On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m.—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—the fighting between the Allies and Germany ceased with the signing of an armistice.
This moment became recognized around the world as the symbolic end of the war.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day as a day to honor the soldiers who fought in WWI.

2. Becoming a National Holiday (1938)In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday, dedicated to:

• World War I veterans
• World peace

At this point, it still focused exclusively on WWI.

3. Transformation into Veterans Day (1954)After World War II and the Korean War, millions more Americans had served.
There was a strong desire to honor all veterans, not just those from WWI.
In 1954:

• Congress amended the 1938 act
• Replaced “Armistice Day” with “Veterans Day”
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law

From then on, November 11 honored all U.S. military veterans, living or deceased.

4. The Brief Date Change (1971–1977)In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create long weekends. Veterans Day was temporarily moved to:

• The fourth Monday in October

However, the change was unpopular—veterans organizations felt the historical significance of November 11 was essential.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed legislation returning Veterans Day to November 11, beginning in 1978.
It has remained there ever since.

5. Veterans Day TodayVeterans Day is often confused with:

• Memorial Day – honors those who died in military service
• Armed Forces Day – honors those currently serving

Veterans Day is unique: it honors all who served, especially living veterans.
Typical observances include:

• Ceremonies at war memorials
• Parades
• Observances at VA hospitals
• A national moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.

6. International ObservancesOther nations honor November 11 as well, often calling it:

• Armistice Day (Europe)
• Remembrance Day (Canada, UK, Australia)

These observances traditionally involve wearing poppies to remember fallen soldiers.

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