On this page
- Why is Veterans Day on November 11?
- Is Veterans Day always observed on a Monday?
- Who gets Veterans Day off?
- What happens to federal schedules and Postal Service operations?
- Where is a major Veterans Day celebration?
- What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
- How should you greet a veteran on Veterans Day?
- Common questions
- Sources
Key points
- Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11, regardless of the day of the week.[1]
- The date marks the 1918 armistice that ended the fighting in World War I; the Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war in 1919.[1]
- Federal law establishes the holiday for federal employees, while schools, banks, state offices, and private businesses may follow different calendars.[2]
Veterans Day occurs every year on November 11. The date does not move to a Monday. It honors Americans who served in the military, and it is separate from Memorial Day, which honors service members who died while serving.
Why is Veterans Day on November 11?
November 11, 1918, is the date of the armistice—a cessation of hostilities—that ended the fighting in World War I. The war formally ended later, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains that the holiday was first called Armistice Day and was expanded in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars.[1]
The date is observed on November 11 regardless of the day of the week. In years when November 11 falls on a weekend, federal employees may observe an in-lieu day under federal scheduling rules, but the legal holiday date remains November 11.[1][2]
Is Veterans Day always observed on a Monday?
No. Veterans Day itself is November 11, whether that date falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or another day. Some other federal holidays are designated for Monday observance, which is one reason Veterans Day is sometimes confused with a Monday holiday.[1]
Who gets Veterans Day off?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Federal law establishes the public holidays listed for federal employees, and the Office of Personnel Management publishes the schedule for each year. That designation does not require every school, bank, state office, or private business to close. Check the specific institution before visiting or scheduling a service.[2]
What happens to federal schedules and Postal Service operations?
Veterans Day is one of the federal holidays listed under 5 U.S.C. 6103. For most federal employees who work Monday through Friday, a holiday falling on Saturday or Sunday is usually observed on Friday or Monday under the applicable in-lieu rules. Federal employee schedules and Postal Service retail and delivery operations can differ, so check the current OPM and USPS schedules for the year in question.[2]
Where is a major Veterans Day celebration?
Event details change from year to year. For example, New York City's Department of Veterans' Services described its November 11, 2023 Veterans Day Parade as the largest Veterans Day parade in the nation, with more than 20,000 marchers. The 2023 newsletter listed a 9:30 a.m. start at Fifth Avenue and 26th Street and an end at 46th Street. Times, routes, participants, and ceremonies can change, so check the official NYC event listing for the current schedule.[3]
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Veterans Day honors all U.S. veterans who served in the military. Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving. Armed Forces Day recognizes people currently serving in the U.S. military. Each occasion has a different purpose, even though all three are connected to military service.
How should you greet a veteran on Veterans Day?
A sincere “thank you for your service” is a respectful starting point, but take your cue from the individual. Veterans have different preferences about recognition and celebrations. If you send a Veterans Day thank-you message, make it personal, heartfelt, and specific to the veteran or family member you are thinking of. Respect anyone who does not want to be acknowledged.
If Veterans Day prompts questions about health coverage for you or a family member, our Veterans Medicare FAQ and VA health care and Medicare guide explain related topics in plain English.
Common questions
Does Veterans Day happen on the same date every year?
Yes. Veterans Day is observed on November 11 every year, regardless of the day of the week.[1]
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Federal law establishes Veterans Day as a public holiday for federal employees. Schools, banks, state offices, and private businesses may follow different calendars.[2]
Is Veterans Day always a day off from work?
Not for everyone. Federal employees generally follow the federal schedule, but employers and institutions outside the federal government set their own calendars. Confirm the schedule with the specific organization.[2]
What did November 11, 1918, mark?
It marked the armistice that ended the fighting in World War I. The Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war on June 28, 1919.[1]
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “History of Veterans Day.” department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “Federal Holidays.” opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays
- New York City Department of Veterans' Services. “New York City's Veterans Day Parade,” November 10, 2023 newsletter. nyc.gov/assets/veterans/downloads/pdf/newsletters/November-10-2023.pdf
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Dollar amounts are for 2026 unless noted.
This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.
Christopher Duncan
Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.