In the United States, Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11. The date is a fixed point in the calendar and does not change based on the day of the week. Its primary purpose is to honor and thank all military veteransliving and deceasedwho have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The historical significance of November 11th is tied to the conclusion of World War I. An armistice between the Allied nations and Germany was signed, taking effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day, U.S. legislation in 1954 officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day to recognize veterans of all American wars, expanding its scope beyond those who served in World War I. Despite a brief period in the 1970s when the holiday was moved to a Monday, its historical importance led to its official return to the fixed date of November 11th in 1978.
Observance of the holiday typically includes the closure of federal offices, post offices, and many schools and banks. Communities across the nation hold ceremonies, parades, and other events. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This holiday is distinct from Memorial Day, which is observed in May to specifically honor military personnel who have died in the line of duty.
