Veterans Day in the United States grew out of Armistice Day, first observed on November 11, 1919, to mark the end of World War I, and it was officially renamed “Veterans Day” in 1954.

Key dates

  • November 11, 1918: The World War I armistice went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which later became the symbolic basis for the holiday.
  • November 11, 1919: The first national observance of Armistice Day took place to commemorate the first anniversary of the armistice.
  • 1938: Congress passed an act making November 11 a legal federal holiday known as Armistice Day, dedicated to the cause of world peace and honoring World War I veterans.
  • 1954: After World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the 1938 act and changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.

Short version to remember

  • Started as Armistice Day: first observed in 1919, made a legal holiday in 1938.
  • Became Veterans Day: name officially changed in 1954, keeping November 11 as the date but expanding the focus to all U.S. veterans.

Information gathered from public sources and historical references available on the internet and portrayed here.