Veterans Day, observed on November 11th in the United States, is a federal holiday honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The date coincides with the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize veterans of all wars, not just World War I. It is distinct from Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service. The national ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is followed by a moment of silence at 11:00 AM. Across the nation, communities hold parades, ceremonies, and special services at veterans' memorials and military installations. Veterans' organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) host events where veterans share their experiences and receive recognition for their service. Schools organize assemblies and educational programs that teach students about the sacrifices and contributions of military veterans. Many businesses and restaurants show their appreciation by offering free meals, discounts, and special promotions to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. The day also serves to raise awareness about issues affecting veterans, including healthcare access through the VA system, mental health support for PTSD and related conditions, employment opportunities for transitioning service members, and homelessness among veterans. Veterans Day is a day for the nation to express its collective gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform, defended the country, and upheld the values of freedom and democracy.
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Veterans Day, observed on November 11th in the United States, is a federal holiday honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S.
There are 3 days (0 weeks, or about 3 days) until Veterans Day. That is approximately 59 hours or 3,588 minutes from now. Use our date calculator to find the exact duration between any two dates.
There are 0 weeks until Veterans Day on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. That falls in week 45 of the year. Use our live countdown timer above for a real-time count including hours, minutes, and seconds.