On Veterans Day in the United States, the people honored are all military veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces , whether they served in war or peace, and whether they are living or deceased.

Who Veterans Day Honors

Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed each year on November 11 to recognize those who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and now Space Force.

Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day focuses on everyone who has worn the uniform, including living veterans of all eras.

A Bit of Background

The holiday grew out of Armistice Day, which originally marked the end of major fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918.

In 1954, the United States officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day so that the nation would honor veterans of all wars, not just World War I.

How People Show That Honor

Common ways people honor veterans on this day include:

  • Ceremonies at places like Arlington National Cemetery, including a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Community parades, school programs, and local memorial events that thank veterans for their service.
  • Personal gestures, such as saying “thank you for your service” or supporting veteran-focused organizations.

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