Honoring Service

The Origins of Veterans Day

Every November 11, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a day of gratitude, reflection, and recognition, but its origins stretch back over a century, rooted in the end of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.

The story begins on November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour. After more than four years of brutal combat in World War I, an armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, bringing the “war to end all wars” to a close. That moment became a symbol of hope and peace, and one year later, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating November 11, 1919, as Armistice Day, a day to honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Great War.

For nearly two decades, Armistice Day remained focused solely on World War I veterans. In 1938, the federal government made it a national holiday, providing Americans with a formal occasion to remember the courage and contributions of their soldiers.

After World War II and the Korean War, the United States had a much larger population of veterans to recognize. To honor all who had served in uniform, Congress passed a bill in 1954 renaming the holiday Veterans Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law, expanding the scope from a single conflict to a celebration of all American veterans — past, present, and future.

For a brief period in the 1960s and 1970s, the observance of Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The change was intended to create a three-day weekend for Americans. However, many felt that November 11 carried historical significance that could not be replaced, and in 1978, Veterans Day returned permanently to November 11.

Today, Veterans Day is recognized with ceremonies, parades, and public programs across the country. From Arlington National Cemetery to local town squares, Americans honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served in the military. Unlike Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died in service, Veterans Day is dedicated to all living veterans, acknowledging their courage, dedication, and commitment to the nation.

The holiday also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting veterans beyond a single day each year.

It inspires communities to engage with veterans’ organizations, provide resources for transition to civilian life, and reflect on the ongoing sacrifices that military families make.

Veterans Day began as a moment of peace, a recognition of service after a devastating global conflict. Over the decades, it has grown into a celebration of courage, resilience, and duty — a day for every American to pause and honor the extraordinary men and women who have defended the nation and its ideals.