Every November 11, Americans pause to recognize Veterans Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring military service members who have served the country. The observance carries deep historical significance and provides communities nationwide an opportunity to express gratitude to those who wore the uniform.
The holiday celebrates all individuals who served honorably in the military, whether during wartime or peacetime. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically commemorates those who died in service, Veterans Day recognizes the living and the dead, focusing on the shared experience of military duty.
The Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day started as Armistice Day, created to commemorate the end of World War I. The armistice between Allied nations and Germany took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, ending hostilities on the Western Front.
Congress designated November 11 as a legal holiday in 1938, establishing Armistice Day to honor World War I veterans. The focus remained primarily on those who fought in the Great War for over a decade.
Everything changed in 1954 when Congress passed legislation transforming Armistice Day into Veterans Day. This shift reflected America’s involvement in World War II and the Korean War, which produced millions of additional veterans deserving recognition. The renamed holiday expanded its scope to honor service members from all wars and eras, acknowledging that military sacrifice extended across generations and conflicts.
New York City Hosts America’s Biggest Parade
While communities across the country organize local ceremonies and events, New York City stages the nation’s largest Veterans Day celebration. The United War Veterans Council organizes the annual parade that has become a hallmark event for honoring military service.
This year’s parade begins at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 11. Organizers expect more than 20,000 service members to march up Fifth Avenue, accompanied by 25 floats and 280 marching units. These participants represent various military organizations, veteran groups and supporting communities that come together for the occasion.
The 2025 parade holds special meaning as it marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military. The celebration specifically honors the founding of three senior service branches: the Army, Marine Corps and Navy. These institutions have shaped American military power throughout history, and the anniversary offers a moment to reflect on their lasting impact.
What Makes It a Federal Holiday
Veterans Day carries federal holiday designation, a classification established by Congress that affects government operations and many private businesses. The status means non-essential federal government employees receive paid time off to observe the holiday.
Federal employees typically receive 11 public holiday days each calendar year, with an additional day during presidential inauguration years. These scheduled days off apply across federal agencies, though essential personnel in national security, law enforcement and emergency services continue working.
The federal holiday designation creates widespread closures throughout American society. Most U.S. banks shut their branches, stock markets suspend trading, and many public schools give students and teachers the day off. Numerous retailers either close completely or operate on reduced schedules.
These closures serve both practical and symbolic purposes. They give people time to attend ceremonies or spend time with veteran family members while reinforcing the holiday’s importance through a collective pause in regular activities.
The Year’s Remaining Federal Holidays
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, only two federal holidays remain in 2025. Thanksgiving Day arrives on Thursday, November 27, followed by Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25. These year-end holidays cap off the calendar and bring families together before the new year begins.
Veterans Day stands as an important moment in the annual rhythm of American life, offering a designated time to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of millions who answered their country’s call. Whether through parades, ceremonies or quiet reflection, the holiday ensures that the contributions of veterans remain visible and valued across communities nationwide.