In the United States, Veterans Day in 2025 will be observed on its fixed date of Tuesday, November 11. The holiday is consistently celebrated on this date each year, irrespective of the day of the week.
The selection of November 11 is historically significant, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. The cessation of hostilities occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Initially established as Armistice Day, the holiday was officially renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by an act of Congress, signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This change broadened the holiday's purpose to honor American veterans of all wars. While the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 briefly moved its observance, the historical importance of the date led to its official return to November 11 in 1978.
As a federal holiday, Veterans Day honors all individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This distinguishes it from Memorial Day, which is reserved for honoring military personnel who died in the line of duty. On November 11, non-essential federal government offices are closed, and public commemorations, including parades and a national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, take place to pay tribute to the service of all U.S. military veterans.
