Veterans Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Historical Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November 11
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

Veterans Day, observed every November 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of living veterans, distinguishing it from Memorial Day. Take time to thank a veteran, participate in local events, or support veteran-focused organizations.

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Expected Veterans Day Deals

Veterans Day is a prime opportunity for businesses to express gratitude to those who served. While specific 2027 promotions are still to be announced, expect widespread appreciation programs. Many restaurants, like Applebee’s and Chili’s, traditionally offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military. Retailers such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot often extend significant discounts on purchases. Travel companies, including Delta Air Lines and Amtrak, may provide special fares. Look for unique offers from local businesses and service providers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 11 approaches.

Platform Guide for Veterans Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #VeteransDay. Share stories of veterans you know or highlight veteran-owned businesses.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #VeteransDay. Post about veteran employment initiatives or share career advice for transitioning service members.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VeteransDay. Organize a community event to honor local veterans or share resources for veteran support.

Veterans Day Hero

Woodrow Wilson

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. He envisioned a day of reflection and gratitude for those who served. In 1938, Armistice Day became a legal holiday, and in 1954, it was officially renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans.

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, originally celebrated as Armistice Day, was first issued on November 11, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson a year after the end of World War I. The purpose of Armistice Day was to honor the fallen soldiers of the Great War for their sacrifice and bravery. Seven years later, in 1926, Congress adopted a resolution requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue annual proclamations on November 11, making Armistice Day a legal holiday.

In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans rather than just the ones who died in World War I. He led a delegation to General Dwight Eisenhower, who was all for the idea. Weeks then organized the first Veterans Day celebration in 1945 in Alabama and every year since, until he died in 1985. In 1982, he was honored by President Reagan with the Presidential Citizenship Medal. Weeks was also named the ‘Father of Veterans Day’ by Elizabeth Dole.

In 1954, Ed Rees, the U.S. Representative from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill to establish the holiday to Congress. Eisenhower, who was then the president and also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954, eight and a half years after Raymond Weeks held the first Veterans Day. After having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urge of the veterans’ service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word ‘Armistice’ and inserting the word ‘Veterans.’ With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The National Veterans Award was also created in 1954, first received by Congressman Rees for his support in making Veterans Day a federal holiday. Though the holiday is currently and was originally celebrated on November 11, the day was moved to the fourth Monday of October in 1971 due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Finally, on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law that returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.

The holiday is observed by the federal government on a Friday, if the holiday falls on Saturday, or on a Monday, if the holiday falls on a Sunday. Federal government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. State and local government closings are determined locally and non-government businesses can close or remain open as they see fit, regardless of federal, state, or local government operation determinations.

The United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on August 4, 2001, designated the week of November 11 through November 17, 2001, as National Veterans Awareness Week. The resolution called for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Veterans Day timeline

1919

Armistice Day

President Woodrow Wilson coined Armistice Day after World War One.

1945

Father of Veterans Day

Raymond Weeks comes up with the idea that Armistice Day should be dedicated to all veterans rather than solely the soldiers who passed away during World War I.

1954

Change of Name

President Dwight D. Eisenhower changes the name of the day to Veterans Day to honor more than one set of veterans.

1954

Above and Beyond

The National Veterans Award is created to honor outstanding veterans who made the greatest contributions to veteran organizations throughout the country.

1998

Burying an Unknown Soldier

The unknown soldier from the Vietnam War, who was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, is identified as Michael Blassie, a 24-year-old pilot shot down in 1972 on the border with Cambodia.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Veterans Day

Local businesses can honor Veterans Day by offering special discounts or free services to veterans and active-duty military personnel. Restaurants might provide complimentary meals, while retail stores could offer percentage-off sales. Consider partnering with local veteran organizations for a donation drive or a community event. Displaying patriotic decorations and publicly acknowledging veterans on social media can also foster a spirit of appreciation.

Veterans Day is one of many days remembering the sacrifices of those who fought in a war to protect their country. Here are some other ones from across the globe

Veterans Day Around the World
Country	Holiday	Occasion	Date
Australia and New Zealand	ANZAC Day	Marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, building a national consciousness in both countries.	April 25
United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations	Remembrance Day	Observed by Canadians and other members of the Commonwealth since the end of the First World War in order to remember all those who fought and died in the line of duty.	November 11
South Korea	Memorial Day	South Koreans honor servicemen and civilians who have died for their country, the same month that the Korean War began.	June 6
Turkey	Martyrs' Day	The anniversary of a major victory against the Allied Powers during the Gallipoli Campaign, commemorating Turks who have died for the country.	March 18

Veterans Day Traditions

Give military-themed gifts

Most veterans cherish their time spent serving their country and one of the best ways to honor that service is to present military-themed gifts like bottle openers (apparently a ‘thing’ among vets,) wooden U.S. flags, or specially-designed pens to the veterans in your life.

Check out Veterans Day restaurant deals

Big-name restaurants are looking out for veterans-turned-foodies with Veterans Day deals on free dinners (Chili’s, Applebee’s, and all California Pizza Kitchens) as well as breakfast specials (Golden Corral restaurants from 5–9 A.M.).

Ship some cookies overseas

Remember your active service military friends and veterans’ organizations overseas with a goodie bag of cookies by Operation Cookies, a company owned and operated by veterans sending delicious, home-baked cookies to homesick military personnel stationed anywhere in the world.

Veterans Day By The Numbers

19.5 million – the approximate number of veterans in the United States.
9 million – the number of veterans over the age of 65.
5.06 million – the number of veterans receiving disability compensation.
2 million – the number of female veterans of those receiving disability compensation.
500k – the number of World War II veterans still living in the United States.
1.56 million – the number of veterans in California, the highest number in the country.
1.46 million – the number of veterans in Texas, the second-highest number in the country.
11% – the percentage of veterans who experience homelessness.
50% – the percentage of veterans experiencing homelessness who also live with a mental illness like PTSD.

Veterans Day FAQs

When is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11, providing a mid-week opportunity for reflection and appreciation across the nation.

How many veterans are there in the U.S.?

As of 2026, there are approximately 18 million military veterans in the United States, representing a significant portion of the population who have contributed to national defense.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, meaning non-essential federal government offices are closed and federal employees are paid for the day. Many schools and businesses also observe the holiday.

What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, living or deceased, who have served in the Armed Forces. Memorial Day, conversely, is specifically dedicated to remembering and honoring military personnel who died while serving in the line of duty.

How to Observe Veterans Day

Hire a veteran
Veterans face barriers to employment including lack of preparation for civilian jobs and unrealistic expectations for the kind of work and salary they can expect when they get home. But many leaving the military may have led troops into battle, often on multiple deployments, and as a result, they make fantastic leaders and employees.
Go for a run
Do a sponsored run for an organization like Homes for Troops, which assists injured veterans by building homes. They specialize in offering support in fundraising so that you can focus on doing the run and raising as much money as you can to support veterans.
Offer freebies for veterans
Whether you run a business or work for one, thanking veterans for their service by offering free products on Veterans Day is a great way of showing your support. Whether it’s tax return help or simply a cup of coffee, what can your business offer to thank a veteran today?

5 Facts About Veterans In The United States

Many have served in at least one war
As of 2018, 18.2 million veterans who are still alive served in at least one war.
Female veterans
9% of all veterans in the U.S. are women.
Leading states
As of 2019, the states with the highest percentage of veterans were Alaska, Wyoming, and Virginia.
World War II veterans
325,000 out of 16 million Americans who participated in World War II, were still alive in 2020.
The Korean War
Two million veterans served during the Korean War.

Why Veterans Day is Important

It’s a chance to thank people for risking their lives to defend America
An estimated 20% of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, according to government statistics. You’d be surprised at how much it means to veterans to feel valued by civilians for their services and sacrifices.
It’s a chance to reflect on the importance of peace
While our military is often thought of in a war context, most veterans will tell you that they risked their lives to defend our fundamental freedoms and that they value peace much more highly than war. Very few who have seen the real horror of war are anxious to rush into it, and Veterans Day encourages all of us to reflect on the value of harmony in our daily interactions and lives.
It draws attention to the challenges facing many veterans
Veterans face disproportionate rates of homelessness, deficits in educational achievement, a struggle to find employment, and often have to deal with devastating wounds. In many cases, post-traumatic stress disorder makes it hard for them to reintegrate into regular society. By understanding these challenges, we can all reach across those divides and make sure veterans have the best possible chance of having a healthy and fulfilling life after their service.