Tuesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a time for the U.S. to honor all military personnel who served time fighting for the U.S.
Veterans Day, always held on Nov. 11 — when World War I reached an armistice (or, truce) in 1918 — is a federal and state holiday observed across the U.S.
“A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said.
In Michigan, ceremonies are scheduled on Veterans Day and later in the week to honor those who served in the Armed Forces.
Local, state government agencies will be closed in observance such as courts and the U.S. Postal Service. Though, grocery stores, and other delivery services like UPS and FedEx will remain open.
Here’s what to know about Veterans Day in Michigan 2025:
When is Veterans Day 2025?
Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11, which lands on a Tuesday this year.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Veterans Day is a federal holiday and a state holiday in Michigan.
What was Veterans Day originally called?
When Nov. 11 was declared a legal holiday in 1926, it solely honored WWI veterans and was originally called “Armistice Day.” After World War II, President Dwight D. Eisenhower widened the holiday in 1954 to honor all U.S. veterans who served in all wars, renaming it Veterans Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
How you can observe Veterans Day in Michigan 2025
Here are some events planned in Michigan this week for Veterans Day:
There are several veterans memorials in Michigan for residents to visit, according to Pure Michigan, such as Traverse City’s Grand Traverse Area Veterans Memorial; Grand Rapids’ Veterans Memorial Park; Withington Park in Jackson and more.
How does Memorial Day differ from Veterans Day?
While both honor U.S. service members, Veterans Day and Memorial Day are not quite the same.
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the military. The solemn occasion is a time to reflect on these American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Veterans Day, recognizes all who have served in the Armed Forces.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Yes. Where to observe in Michigan this week
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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