This annual festival in November honors individuals who have fought in all of the American wars, both current and historical.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the yearly day of remembrance for veterans dates back to the aftermath of World War I. In the 1930s, it was declared one of the ten officially recognized holidays. Veterans Day is frequently observed with local and national parades, memorial ceremonies, and special discounts from numerous companies.
Regardless of the day of the week it falls on, Veterans Day is observed on November 11 each year.
It falls on a Saturday this year.
Here’s what to know about Veterans Day as a federal holiday.
Do federal holidays apply to Veterans Day? In 2023, when is it observed?
Since Veterans Day falls on a Saturday this year, many non-essential government services will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, the day before federal employees enjoy the federal holiday.
What was the original name of Veterans Day?
Veterans Day was not formerly known as the day of remembrance on November 11th. Originally observed as “Armistice Day,” it commemorated the day in 1918 that hostilities in World War I came to an end.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Armistice Day was originally observed to honor World War I veterans and was declared an official holiday by Congress in 1938. To honor veterans of all American conflicts, the word “armistice” was changed to “veterans” in 1954, following both World War II and the Korean War.
Veterans Day was observed on a different date a few times over the years, but by 1978, President Gerald Ford had restored it to its custom of being observed on November 11.
Is Memorial Day and Veterans Day the same thing?
Veterans Day and Memorial Day have different purposes in addition to being honored in two separate months.
Every year on May the last Monday, Memorial Day is marked as a way to remember and pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed their lives for their nation. Veterans Day, observed in November, pays tribute to all veterans—living or deceased—who have fought in any conflict, past or present.
