🎖️ Veterans Day Countdown
November 11, 2026
About Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11, honoring all men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The date is significant: at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Armistice Agreement took effect, ending the fighting of World War I on the Western Front. Originally called Armistice Day, the US holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars. The same date is observed as Remembrance Day in Canada, the UK, and Australia, and Armistice Day in France and Belgium — all with similar ceremonies of reflection and gratitude for those who served.
Veterans Day Traditions
Veterans Day ceremonies traditionally begin at 11 AM, the hour of the original armistice. The National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery features a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn tradition that has continued every year since 1921 — including during severe storms and weather events. Parades are held in cities and towns across the country. Many restaurants and businesses offer free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military as a gesture of appreciation. Unlike Memorial Day, which is focused on the fallen, Veterans Day celebrates all living and deceased veterans — making it a day of gratitude and recognition rather than primarily mourning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day (November 11) honors all US military veterans — living and deceased — who have served in the Armed Forces. Memorial Day (last Monday in May) specifically honors those who died while serving. Veterans Day is a celebration of service; Memorial Day is primarily a day of mourning for the fallen.
Why is Veterans Day on November 11?
The Armistice ending World War I took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — November 11, 1918 at 11:00 AM. The date was first observed as Armistice Day in 1919 and became a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to include veterans of all wars, not just WWI.
Is Veterans Day the same as Remembrance Day?
They share the same date (November 11) and the same origin — the World War I Armistice. The name differs by country: Veterans Day in the US, Remembrance Day in Canada and the UK, Armistice Day in France and Belgium. Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries tends to have a more solemn, military-focused character, with the poppy as a central symbol, while US Veterans Day has a broader celebratory quality honoring all who served.
What are good ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day?
Attending a local parade or ceremony, visiting the VA hospital or a veterans home to spend time with residents, writing letters to active-duty service members, supporting veteran-owned businesses, donating to reputable veteran organizations (Wounded Warrior Project, DAV, American Legion), or simply thanking a veteran personally are all meaningful ways to observe the day.