It’s a day to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all veterans in the United States.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, and the federal holiday is observed every year on that date, which coincides with the armistice (or agreement) signed on Nov. 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I. Veterans Day is always held on Nov. 11, regardless of the day it lands on.
Initially meant to honor the veterans of WWI, the day was later expanded to honor all veterans who have served —whether in war or peacetime.
Here’s more about Veterans Day and why we celebrate it.
Who does Veterans Day honor?
Veterans Day honors the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans.
According to military.com, the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is that while deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day, the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military, whether in wartime or peacetime.
Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday and has been since 1954. This means schools and banks are closed on the day.
What was Veterans Day originally called?
Veterans Day was first observed as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, one year after the end of World War I.
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I. The day of honor became a federal holiday in 1938, and its name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. veterans.
What to say to a veteran on Veterans Day?
You can show your appreciation to a veteran by saying “thank you for your service” or “thank you for all you did for our country,” according to soldiersangels.org.
Why is Veterans Day on Nov. 11?
Armistice Day was established to remember the armistice (or agreement) signed on Nov. 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I. Veterans Day is always held on Nov. 11, regardless of the day it lands on.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. USA TODAY contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Why do we celebrate Veterans Day? Is today a holiday? Here’s why we honor veterans today
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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