The story of Veterans Day begins with Armistice Day, a holiday marking the end of World War I.
The “Great War” (as World War I was then called) was a brutal conflict that introduced the world to new forms of warfare and resulted in immense human loss.
After years of fighting, on November 11, 1918, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice between Allied forces and Germany came into effect. This brought a halt to the fighting on the Western Front.
This momentous event marked the end of what was thought to be the “war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day. He proclaimed that it was “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”
Armistice Day became an official federal holiday in 1938, set aside as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace” and intended to honor those who fought in World War I.
Veterans Day FAQs
- Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States in honor of the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day.
- In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
- In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. The law went into effect in 1971, but in 1975 President Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11, due to the important historical significance of the date.
- Veterans Day commemorates veterans of all wars.
- Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November).
- In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.
- Every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery holds an annual memorial service. The cemetery is home to the graves of over 400,000 people, most of whom served in the military.
Honoring All Who Served
The aftermath of World War II and the Korean War brought a growing recognition that Armistice Day should honor not only World War I veterans but all veterans.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to officially change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This enlarged its purpose to honor all U.S. veterans.
This change shifted the holiday’s focus to include veterans of all wars and all branches of the U.S. military. Veterans Day acknowledges and honors the enduring contributions of those who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October to create a three-day weekend. However, there was significant opposition, as the traditional November 11 date held historical and symbolic significance. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law returning Veterans Day to November 11.
Starting in 1978, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on November 11 – the date of the Armistice.
The Meaning of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a day of profound gratitude – recognizing the men and women who have selflessly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans – living and deceased. This includes those who served in times of peace as well as in war.
On Veterans Day, we acknowledge the commitment, resilience, and sacrifice required to defend the nation’s freedoms and uphold its values.
For many veterans, this day holds personal meaning – as they are honored not only by loved ones and communities but also by the broader nation. Veterans Day gives citizens a chance to express their appreciation, and it fosters awareness of the needs and challenges veterans face after service. For veterans themselves, the day can be an affirmation of their contributions and a reminder that their sacrifices are valued and remembered.
Veterans Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting veterans in civilian life. Many veterans face challenges such as reintegration, PTSD and mental health struggles, and physical injuries.
Sierra Health + Wellness (at New Start Recovery Solutions) is an approved VA Community Care Provider for Veteran Residential and Outpatient PTSD Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment.
Sierra Health + Wellness provides behavioral health and addiction recovery treatment for veterans and those in the military; in-network with TriWest and Tricare.
Veterans Day Traditions: Honoring Service Across the Nation
Ceremonies and Parades
Many towns and cities host parades and memorial ceremonies, where veterans and active-duty service members are honored for their service.
National Wreath-Laying Ceremony
A significant tradition is the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This ceremony is attended by government officials, veterans’ organizations, and families of service members.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 71st annual National Veterans Day Observance, honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces during war and peacetime, will take place on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at 11 a.m., in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
School Programs and Community Events
Schools across the country hold educational programs, inviting veterans to speak to students about their experiences, and community events provide opportunities for neighbors and families to come together in gratitude.
See Veterans Day 2023 parades planned across Northern California
Honoring and Supporting Veterans Beyond Veterans Day
The purpose of Veterans Day extends beyond November 11.
As we honor our veterans, it’s essential to recognize that their contributions often come with ongoing challenges. Issues such as mental health, physical rehabilitation, and employment remain vital to many veterans. Veterans Day is a reminder of the need to advocate for those who served.
Organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and nonprofits such as Wounded Warrior Project and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are dedicated to providing essential services year-round.
For more information on Veterans Day observances or resources available to veterans, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day page or the National Park Service for information on free park access for veterans.
Veterans Day is a cherished time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude to the countless individuals who have donned the uniform in defense of the nation. Through celebration, remembrance, and support, Americans honor the service of veterans and the sacrifices they made to preserve freedom and protect the nation.
PTSD, Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery for Veterans
Sierra Health + Wellness in California specializes in addiction rehab treatment for veterans.
Personalized treatment for veterans struggling with alcohol and substance abuse (along with PTSD and trauma) is far more than simple rehab – it’s a lifeline.
Help for veterans with drug addiction includes a series of evidence-based and trauma-informed therapies.
Inpatient or residential rehabilitation is unique because it offers a tranquil and supportive environment away from potential triggers. This ensures that drug and alcohol addiction recovery for veterans isn’t just about combating negative habits – but also means cultivating new, positive habits.
Some veterans may be hesitant to seek help due to the negative stigma and perceived weakness of a substance use disorder in the military. Veterans rehab is vital to get past trauma and back to a life of sobriety.
2024 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies
Military.com and other sources have compiled lists of Veterans Day discounts on restaurants, goods, services and events for 2024.