We all know what Veterans Day is, but do you know what we celebrate it for, or when it was established? A lot of people don’t know almost anything about it besides that it represents veterans. And you’re technically right on that, but there is more to it than that.
Veterans Day originally went by Armistice Day, and was a tribute to the end of World War I. The Armistice was first celebrated on November 11th, 1919. On this day, it was commemorated with parades to celebrate it, and President Wilwood proclaimed a moment of silence at 11 am. But it was not considered a national/ legal holiday until the year 1938. That is around 20 years later!
After the Korean War and World War ll went down, veteran service organizations wanted the name to be changed to include all veterans of ALL wars. Not just those who fought in World War l. Congress officially passed a bill to change the name to “Veterans Day” in 1954, honoring all Veterans dead or alive. President Dwight D. Eisenhower being the president to approve the bill.
A difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is that Memorial Day is specifically a day of remembrance for those who have died in service, and Veterans Day is to honor ALL.
To this day, it still remains on November 11th to keep its historical significance and tie to when it was originally attributed.
Fun Fact: Wisconsin is the only state that does not recognize Veterans Day as a state holiday.
Works Cited:
“History of Veterans Day – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 10 June 2024, https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/. Accessed 29 November 2025.
“Veterans Day 2025: Founding, Fact & Meaning | HISTORY.” History.com, https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-veterans-day. Accessed 29 November 2025.
“Veterans Day in 2026.” Calendar Labs, https://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/us/veterans-day.php. Accessed 29 November 2025.
