Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. However, since that day falls on a Saturday this year, some will observe the holiday on Friday, November 10. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime.
Some of the holidays are celebrated on specific days, while others change dates each year. In addition, holidays may be observed a day earlier or later if they fall on a weekend, as is the case with Veterans Day this year.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. On the other hand, if a holiday falls on Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday. In the case of this year’s Veterans Day, 11 November is a Saturday, so, in keeping with the norm, the holiday was also celebrated on Friday 10 November.
Veterans Day Facts
According to the latest data from the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics:
- There are approximately 19.5 million veterans in the United States.
- There are approximately 2 million female veterans.
- As of June 2021, there are 5.18 million veterans receiving disability compensation.
Why is Veterans Day celebrated?
The origin of Veterans Day dates back to the end of the First World War. November 11, 1919 marked the first anniversary of the end of the war. President Woodrow Wilson declared that day as Armistice Day.
Twelve years later, in 1938, November 11 became a federal holiday, still under the name Armistice Day, commemorating those who lost their lives in World War I.
A few years later, November 11 began to commemorate all those who had participated in any combat serving the U.S. military. It was not until 1954 that Armistice Day became, legally, Veterans Day.
In 1968, a law changed the national observance of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, being a date of historical significance, in 1978, Congress returned the observance to its traditional date, November 11.
This day is celebrated with tributes, parades and ceremonies. The most important celebration is the one held at the tomb of the unknown soldier, in Arlington Cemetery, Virginia.
The next holiday in the United States is coming soon. Veterans Day 2023 is this Saturday, November 11, and here's what it means and how it's celebrated. (Photo: Freepick)
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Of course, Veterans Day is a federal holiday, according to the Department of Defense. When the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, businesses and government officials may recognize it on both the official day and the following Monday. Schools usually have the day off.
State and local governments, including schools, have the autonomy to decide whether they will continue to operate or join in observing the holiday. In addition, private businesses, such as retailers, restaurants and tourist attractions, can make their own decisions about closing or opening during Veterans Day.
Some businesses may offer special discounts or promotions to veterans as a form of recognition and appreciation on this day. If you plan to shop or visit places of interest on Veterans Day, it is advisable to check the opening hours of businesses and the availability of tourist attractions.
How is Veterans Day celebrated?
Veterans Day is celebrated in communities with Veterans Day parades or other celebrations honoring service members. The National Veterans Day Ceremony is held each year on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
During the ceremony, which begins at 11 am, a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before a color parade by veterans organizations and remarks by dignitaries inside the Memorial Amphitheater, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Check out some of the events scheduled in the country:
- New York. The national Veterans Day Parade, renamed America’s Parade, is held in New York on 11 November. It has been held since 1929 and more than 20,000 people participate each year. It starts at 9:30 in the morning. At 11:00 a.m., 2 minutes of silence are observed to commemorate the end of WWI.
- Texas. Houston’s annual Veterans Day Salute to American Heroes celebration begins Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10-11 a.m. at City Hall. A moment of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. on the 11th in remembrance of the 102nd anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. The Parade of American Heroes will begin at 11:30 am Houston salutes the details of the Veterans Day celebration of American Heroes
- Washington. Auburn will host the 58th Annual Veterans Parade and Celebration. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, along Main Street. Auburn has hosted the Veterans Parade since 1965 and is one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, according to the Department of Defense. When the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. (Photo: Freepick)
How do you salute a veteran on Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a time to celebrate all those who have served our country. You can salute a veteran by wishing them “Happy Veterans Day” or saying “Thank you for your service.”
Other ways to recognize the sacrifice and dedication of veterans on Veterans Day include:
- Attending a Veterans Day event in your area.
- Display an American flag on your property.
- Donating or volunteering at organizations, charities and facilities for veterans.
2023 Veterans Days events
Many organizations will be hosting virtual events for Veterans Day in 2023.Here is a list of online veterans day events that will take place this year to honor our veterans.
Musicians On Call – Beginning Nov. 8.An exclusive concert to honor Veterans, featuring Sara Evans, Peter Frampton, Caylee Hammack, Michael Ray, Wynonna, Darius Rucker and more, from The Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee.
National Veterans Day Observance – The National Veterans Day Observance on Nov. 11 will be hosted by VA Secretary Denis McDonough at Arlington National Cemetery, to honor all who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. uniformed services. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. and will live stream at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs or through this link.
What is closed on Veterans Day? What is open?
- Federal government offices and courts: Federal courts and non-essential government offices will be closed for Veterans Day, a federal holiday.
- Garbage pickup: Some garbage and recycling collection may be delayed on Friday or moved to another weekday in some cities. Check with your local providers.
- Local government offices: City and county government offices will be closed.
- National Parks: To honor veterans, national parks will remain open and be free to all visitors on Friday.
- Restaurants: Most restaurants will be open, and some chains like IHOP, Applebee’s, Olive Garden and Starbucks will be offering free meals or treats to veterans and active-duty service members to thank them for their service. See a larger list of deals and free food for veterans and military personnel right here.
- Meals and deals for veterans: Free meals and deals for active or former military
- Schools: Some schools, such as Cincinnati Public Schools, will be closed. Check with your local district.
- Supermarkets and retail: Most groceries and retail businesses will remain open on Veterans Day. Some stores may have reduced hours.
Is there mail delivery on Veterans Day?
According to the United States Postal Service, Veterans Day is an observed USPS holiday. However, since the holiday this year falls on a Saturday, it’s expected that post offices will not be open, and mail will not be delivered on Friday
“If a holiday falls on a Saturday, for most USPS employees, the preceding Friday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes,” the USPS said in a post.
Important facts you should know about Veteran’s Day
- 16.2 million: The number of military veterans in the United States in 2022, representing 6.2% of the total civilian population age 18 and over.
- 1.7 million: The number of female veterans in the United States in 2022, representing 10.3% of the total veteran population.
- 0.8%: The percentage of veterans in 2022 who served in World War II. Additionally, 4.1% of veterans served in the Korean War, 33.6% in the Vietnam War, 24.4% in the first Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001), and 26.3% in the second Gulf War (September 2001 or later).
- 8.6%: The percentage of veterans in 2022 who were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Additionally, 72.3% of veterans were White alone (not Hispanic or Latino), 12.4% African American, 2.1% Asian American, 0.8% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 2.8% Some Other Race. The percentages include only those who reported a single race.
What is the story behind Veterans Day?
While Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, it was celebrated on a different date for a brief period of time.
In 1968, Congress signed the Uniform Holiday Bill into law to ensure that a handful of federal holidays, including Veterans Day, would be celebrated on Mondays, with the hope that this decision would encourage travel and family activities over a long weekend and stimulate the economy, according to the Department of Defense.
Under this bill, Veterans Day would be celebrated on the fourth Monday of each October, and the first Veterans Day under the new bill would be celebrated on October 25, 1971.
Most citizens were confused and unhappy about the change in dates, and many opted to continue celebrating Veterans Day on November 11. After a few years of discord with the October holiday, former President Gerald Ford signed another law that went into effect on Sept. 20. 1975, which returned Veterans Day to its original observance of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978.
How is Veterans Day celebrated in the United States?
The celebration of World Veterans Day in the United States is characterised by the following activities and events:
- A ceremony is held at Arlington Cemetery with the President of the United States in attendance, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A moment of silence is observed and rockets are fired.
- Commemorations are held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorials in Washington and New Jersey.
- As a national holiday, workers and students have the day off.
- There are no postal or mailing activities on this day, as Federal Government offices are closed.
Joe Biden’s message for Veterans Day
From Arlington Cemetery, the president of the United States paid his respects to the American military and called on citizens to fight against the country’s enemies who seek to “extinguish the light of freedom.”
“Even today, wherever the forces of darkness have sought to extinguish the light of freedom, American troops have always been there,” said the leader of the Democratic Party.
In the midst of the tension due to the conflict in the Middle East, in which Joe Biden has expressed his support for Israel against Hamas, the president took the opportunity to “honor the generations of Americans who were on the front of freedom”.
“To attest to the great deeds of a few noble people who risked everything, everything to give us a better future,” he said.
How many holidays are left in 2023 in the United States?
In the 2023 calendar of the United States, the holidays and public holidays of the year are established, and for the remainder of the present, 2 days off are expected.
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 24
- Christmas (Christmas): Sunday, December 25
