Veterans Day in the United States honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces, in both wartime and peacetime, whether they served overseas or at home. It is a thank‑you day for everyone who wore the uniform, not only for those who died in service (that is the focus of Memorial Day).

Who We Honor

  • All former members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force) who served honorably, regardless of when or where they served.
  • Veterans of every conflict, from World War I and II through Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recent deployments.
  • Many observances also recognize the families of veterans, acknowledging the sacrifices they make alongside their loved ones.

How It’s Officially Described

  • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains that Veterans Day ceremonies are “intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.”
  • Federal and workplace messages around the holiday describe it as a day that “celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans” and encourages people to thank coworkers, friends, and family who served.
  • Recent presidential proclamations, including President Donald Trump’s 2025 Veterans Day proclamation, emphasize gratitude to Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day

  • Veterans Day: honors all who served in the U.S. military, living and deceased, with a focus on thanking living veterans.
  • Memorial Day: honors those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and is more specifically about remembrance of the fallen.
  • Both days often include ceremonies, flags, and moments of silence, but the purpose and tone of each observance are distinct.

Traditions That Show Whom We Honor

  • Nationally, a wreath‑laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery symbolizes respect for all who served, especially those whose identities or stories are not fully known.
  • Communities hold parades, school programs, and memorial events that spotlight local veterans and give people a chance to say “thank you for your service” in person.
  • Workplaces and organizations may close offices, send thank‑you messages, or host appreciation events for veterans on their teams.

TL;DR: On Veterans Day, we honor everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces—across all branches, eras, and conflicts—with special appreciation for living veterans and the sacrifices they and their families have made.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.