What is Veterans Day? It is a U.S. holiday on November 11 that honors everyone who has served in the military. This guide from MemorialDayUsa covers its meaning, the date, why we celebrate, its history, where it is observed, and whether banks are open.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Date | November 11 every year |
| Veterans Day 2026 | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Honors | All who served in the U.S. military |
| Federal holiday | Yes |
| Banks | Most closed |
| Stock market | Open |
What Is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime, and it is largely meant to thank living veterans. Don’t mix it up with Memorial Day, which remembers those who died in service. See the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day for a side-by-side comparison. lib
The spelling matters too. It is “Veterans Day”, plural and with no apostrophe, because the day doesn’t belong to veterans. It is a day for honoring all of them. ajc
What Is the Date of Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is always on November 11, whatever day of the week it falls on. President Ford signed a law that returned the observance to November 11 after a short period when it was moved to Mondays. If November 11 falls on a weekend, federal offices usually observe the holiday on the nearest weekday, Friday or Monday. govinfo
When Is Veterans Day 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Because it is a weekday, the holiday isn’t moved. acadcalendar
Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?
We celebrate to say thank you. The day recognizes that all who served, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty. Common ways to mark it: lib
- Thank a veteran in person, by card, or by message.
- Attend a local parade or ceremony.
- Fly the American flag.
- Volunteer with, or donate to, a veterans’ organization.
History of Veterans Day
- 1918: An armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany took effect on November 11, 1918, in the 11th hour of the day. veteransunited
- 1919: President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11, 1919, the first Armistice Day. veteransunited
- 1938: Congress made November 11 a legal holiday to honor World War I veterans and celebrate peace. veteransunited
- 1954: At the urging of veterans’ groups, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, honoring veterans of all wars. Raymond Weeks of Alabama was honored by President Reagan in 1982 for his part in creating the holiday. govinfoajc
- 1968 to 1971: A holiday bill moved Veterans Day to a Monday to create three-day weekends, and the first observance under the new rule, on October 25, 1971, caused much confusion. govinfo
- 1975 and 1978: President Ford signed a law restoring November 11, which took effect in 1978.
For more, the U.S. Government Publishing Office has a short official history of Veterans Day.
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday and a Public Holiday?
Yes. Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so federal offices and the post office are closed. Federal employees get a paid day off. Private employers aren’t required to close, so many businesses, stores and restaurants stay open. State offices and schools vary, so check your local schedule. nbcnewyork
Are Banks Closed on Veterans Day?
Most banks are closed. Most U.S. banks will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, because the Federal Reserve observes Veterans Day as a banking holiday. Here is what that means in practice: legalunitedstates
- Stock market: Stock markets are open on Veterans Day in 2026, while bond markets and banks are typically closed. fidelity
- Bond market: The U.S. bond market (SIFMA) is closed for the day. financecalendar
- Post office: Closed, with no regular mail delivery.
- Online banking and ATMs: ATMs stay available for withdrawals, deposits, balance checks and transfers. unanswered
- Payments: Because the Federal Reserve is closed, ACH payments and interbank settlement can be delayed. Plan bill payments and wire transfers a day early. legalunitedstates
Some banks and credit unions follow their own schedules, so check yours before you go.
In Which Country or City Is Veterans Day Celebrated?
Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday, observed nationwide. The main national ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, near Washington, D.C., and cities across the country hold parades and ceremonies.
Many other countries mark November 11 under different names, because it is the anniversary of the end of World War I fighting:
- Canada: Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday. veterans
- United Kingdom: A two-minute silence is held at 11 a.m. on November 11. Remembrance Sunday, on the second Sunday of November, is the other main day. forcesnews
- France and Belgium: France marks Armistice Day with a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11. Belgium treats it as a national holiday, when most government agencies, banks and shops are closed. taskandpurposerayburntours
- Australia: Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 with a minute’s silence at 11:00. Wikipedia
Outside the U.S., these days mostly remember the war dead, so they are closer in spirit to Memorial Day than to Veterans Day.
Día de los Veteranos (en español)
El Día de los Veteranos se celebra cada año el 11 de noviembre en Estados Unidos para honrar y agradecer a todas las personas que sirvieron en las fuerzas armadas, tanto en tiempos de guerra como de paz. En 2026 cae en miércoles, 11 de noviembre. Es un día feriado federal: las oficinas del gobierno y el correo cierran, y la mayoría de los bancos también, pero la bolsa de valores abre. No debe confundirse con el Memorial Day (Día de los Caídos), que recuerda a quienes murieron en servicio y se celebra el último lunes de mayo.
Conclusion
Veterans Day is a day of gratitude. Every November 11, Americans thank all who have served, in war and in peace. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday, November 11. Most banks, federal offices and post offices are closed, while the stock market stays open. Whether you attend a parade, send a message, or simply say thank you to a veteran you know, the day is about recognizing service.