Veterans Day is a federal holiday specific to the United States, observed annually on November 11. It is designated to honor and thank all military veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The observance originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the cessation of hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, the United States Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day to broaden its scope to honor veterans of all American wars. Concurrently, other nations, particularly within the Commonwealth, observe Remembrance Day on the same date to honor armed forces members who died in the line of duty. Countries like France and Belgium continue to recognize November 11 as Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Therefore, while the date holds global significance tied to World War I, the holiday named Veterans Day is uniquely American in its title and its specific purpose of honoring all who have served. This contrasts with observances like Remembrance Day, which more closely parallel the U.S. holiday of Memorial Day by focusing primarily on service members who lost their lives. The United States distinctly separates the honoring of all veterans from the solemn remembrance of the fallen.
