Veterans Day 2025: History, Traditions, and Ways to Honor Service

The United States sets aside November 11 to honor all who served in the Armed Forces. From solemn moments of silence to hometown parades, the day blends remembrance and celebration. Here’s the story, the customs, and practical ideas to show respect in meaningful ways.

What Is Veterans Day?

At its core, Veterans Day recognizes living and deceased former service members from every branch of the U.S. military. Unlike other patriotic observances, this is not about a single conflict or about current troops alone; it is a nationwide thank-you to those who completed their service, whether in war or peace.

Observed annually on November 11, the date recalls the armistice that ended major hostilities in World War I at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” While the world has changed dramatically since 1918, the day’s central purpose—gratitude and commemoration—remains.

History: From Armistice to a National Holiday

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, a time for reflection and thanksgiving for peace after World War I. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday. After the unparalleled service of millions in World War II and the Korean War, the United States broadened the holiday’s focus. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill renaming it to honor all veterans, not just those of the First World War.

In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act temporarily moved the observance to late October to create a long weekend, but that shift never truly took hold with the public. Recognizing the historical significance of the original date, Congress restored November 11 in 1978, where it has stayed ever since.

Key milestones

• 1918: Armistice signed, ending major WWI hostilities at 11 a.m. on November 11.
• 1919: First Armistice Day proclaimed by President Wilson.
• 1938: Armistice Day becomes a U.S. federal holiday.
• 1954: Holiday renamed to honor all U.S. military veterans.
• 1971–1977: Observed in late October; the change proved unpopular.
• 1978: Congress returns the observance to November 11.

Traditions and How to Observe

Communities mark the day with ceremonies that balance dignity and gratitude. While no fireworks are required, many Americans do step outside—if only briefly—to attend events or share thanks. Consider these common traditions and meaningful gestures:

• National ceremonies: At Arlington National Cemetery, a formal ceremony includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, often led by the President or Vice President.
• Local parades and gatherings: Veterans’ organizations, color guards, marching bands, and civic groups come together to honor service members.
• Moments of silence: Many observe a minute or two of quiet reflection at 11:00 a.m. to echo the historic armistice.
• Flag etiquette: On this observance, the U.S. flag is flown at full staff (half-staff in the morning is specific to Memorial Day). Proper lighting and respectful handling are encouraged.
• Outreach and support: Thank a veteran, write a note of appreciation, assemble care packages, or volunteer with organizations that serve former service members.
• Community offers: Some businesses extend complimentary meals or discounts to veterans; consider supporting those efforts or donating the cost of your meal to a veterans’ charity.

Respectful etiquette

• Lead with gratitude, not curiosity. Avoid probing for personal details about deployments or combat unless invited to ask.
• Use inclusive language that recognizes all branches, roles, and eras of service.
• When in doubt, listen. A sincere “thank you” can matter more than the perfect phrase.

How This Holiday Differs from Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day

These three observances are connected but distinct. Understanding the differences ensures that each receives its proper measure of respect and remembrance.

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May): Honors those who died in military service. The tone is solemn; flags customarily fly at half-staff in the morning and are raised to full staff at noon.
• Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May): Recognizes those currently serving. The focus is on active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members.
• This November observance: Expresses gratitude to all who once wore the uniform, in war or peace.

Worldwide Observance and Cultural Variations

On the same date, many nations mark Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, emphasizing reflection on the sacrifices of war. In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, red poppies and a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. are central traditions. Ceremonies often include the Last Post or similar bugle calls, wreath-laying, and public readings of names.

France and Belgium hold major commemorations at sites like the Arc de Triomphe and the Menin Gate, with moments of silence and national tributes to the fallen. Germany’s Volkstrauertag, a day of national mourning for all victims of war and tyranny, is observed on a Sunday in November rather than on the 11th. Across borders, the theme is consistent: remembrance, gratitude, and a commitment to peace.

In the United States, some traditions overlap—poppies, for instance, appear in November in certain communities. Still, poppies in the U.S. are most strongly linked to Memorial Day, while the November observance leans into appreciation for all who served.

Fun Facts and Notable Moments

• The “11–11–11” symbolism remains powerful. Many ceremonies still begin at exactly 11:00 a.m., recalling the WWI armistice.
• There’s no apostrophe in the official name. The day honors plural veterans rather than possession—hence the simple, clear title.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington has been guarded continuously since 1937 by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (the Old Guard), a constant vigil that powerfully symbolizes remembrance.
• Birmingham, Alabama, is home to one of the longest-running parades dedicated to former service members, drawing participants and spectators from across the region.
• Federal offices, banks, and many government services are closed, but numerous schools hold educational programs that explore service, duty, and citizenship.
• In literature and culture, the poppy tradition traces to the poem “In Flanders Fields,” inspiring acts of public commemoration in November.

Meaningful Ways to Participate Today

You don’t need a uniform or a podium to make a difference. Choose one or two actions that fit your day and follow through—quiet gestures count.

• Attend a local ceremony or wreath-laying, or observe a personal moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.
• Offer practical support to a former service member you know—help with errands, share a meal, or provide a ride to a medical appointment.
• Record a story. Invite a willing veteran to share memories for family archives or local history projects; oral histories preserve voices that textbooks can’t.
• Support veteran-focused nonprofits, from scholarships and job training to housing, mental health, and peer support programs.
• Shop consciously by choosing veteran-owned businesses or products that donate to relevant causes.
• Teach the next generation. Create a small family or classroom activity—write thank-you cards, learn flag etiquette, or study the difference between May and November observances.
• Online, share a thoughtful note or a brief story rather than a generic graphic. If posting a photo, ask permission and focus on gratitude rather than self-promotion.

On Veterans Day 2025, small acts of appreciation add up. Whether you’re attending a ceremony, calling a friend who served, or simply pausing to reflect, you’re part of a tradition of remembrance that stretches back more than a century—and forward, as a promise to care for those who served.