The United Kingdom does not have an official holiday called "Veterans Day." The term is specific to the United States. Instead, the UK honors its armed forces personnel, past and present, on two separate, principal occasions: Remembrance Day (and Remembrance Sunday) and Armed Forces Day.
Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th, the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I. It is a day of solemn commemoration for all who have died in military conflicts. The main national observance occurs on Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday of November, marked by ceremonies and a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. In contrast, Armed Forces Day is a celebratory event held annually on the last Saturday in June. Its purpose is to honor and show support for the living members of the military community, including currently serving troops, service families, veterans, and cadets.
This functional distinction is key: the November events are primarily for remembering the war dead and the sacrifices of conflict, carrying a somber and reflective tone. The June event, however, is a more contemporary and positive celebration of the service and contribution of living military personnel and the wider armed forces community. Therefore, while Remembrance Day honors veterans in the context of sacrifice, Armed Forces Day most closely aligns with the celebratory spirit of honoring living veterans.
