Veterans Day
On this day, we thank active and retired American service members who have worked to protect our country.
On this day, we thank active and retired American service members who have worked to protect our country.
Origin
In 1954, after lobbying from veterans organizations, Armistice Day—a national holiday that signified the end of World War l—was renamed Veterans Day by the U.S. Congress. The renaming expanded the meaning of the day to commemorate veterans of all wars. President Dwight D. Eisenhower made it official on June 1, 1954. Today, many have expanded the meaning yet again, to include all members of the armed forces.
When it is observed
After temporarily moving Veterans Day to October 25 with the creation of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (which ensured three-day weekends for federal employees on four national Monday holidays), President Gerald Ford signed a law returning the day of observation to November 11 in 1978. Now, Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11. If November 11 is on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal holiday is observed on the previous Friday or following Monday.
Who observes it
Veterans Day is a federal holiday. All government offices are closed on federal holidays.
Traditions
U.S. post offices and banks are closed on Veterans Day. In many parts of the country, the day is celebrated with parades, and in different parts of the country, some schools, local governments and businesses may be closed. A wreath-laying ceremony takes place every Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.