Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. As a federal holiday in the United States, its date is fixed by law (5 U.S.C. 6103) and does not change from year to year, unlike holidays that are designated to fall on a specific Monday of a month.
The date's significance originates from the armistice that ended major hostilities of World War I, which was enacted on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day to honor the veterans of that conflict, the holiday was officially renamed in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars. While the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 briefly moved its observance to October, public sentiment for the historical importance of the November 11th date led to legislation in 1975 that returned the official observance to its original date, effective 1978.
This fixed date emphasizes the historical connection to the end of World War I. For purposes of pay and leave, federal law specifies that if November 11 falls on a Saturday, the holiday is observed by federal employees on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. This practice ensures that the day of honor for all U.S. military veterans results in a designated day off for federal workers.
