The United States federal holiday honoring military veterans is observed annually on November 11. This date was selected to commemorate the armistice that ended World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. The observance consistently occurs on this specific date each year, irrespective of the day of the week on which it falls.
Originally established as Armistice Day to honor the veterans of World War I, the holiday's scope was officially broadened in 1954 when Congress amended the founding act, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans" to recognize American veterans of all wars. For a brief period following the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, the observance was moved to the fourth Monday in October. However, due to the profound historical significance of the original date, legislation was signed in 1975 to return the official observance to November 11, a change that became effective in 1978.
As a federal holiday, all non-essential federal government offices are closed. State and local governments, along with educational institutions, often follow suit. However, private sector businesses are not required to close, leading to varied levels of observance across the country. The purpose of the day is to thank and honor all individuals who have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces, distinguishing it from Memorial Day, which specifically honors service members who died while in military service.
