November 11 hasn't always been called Veterans Day. Here's the short version of how the day got its name and its date.
1918: the armistice
Fighting in World War I ended with an armistice that took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, November 11, 1918. Historians generally treat that date as the end of the war, though the formal peace treaty came later.
1919: the first Armistice Day
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day observance in 1919, a day to reflect on the sacrifice of those who fought in "the war to end all wars."
1938: a legal holiday
An act of Congress in 1938 made November 11 a legal holiday dedicated to world peace and honoring veterans of World War I.
1954: Armistice Day becomes Veterans Day
After World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the 1938 act on June 1, 1954, replacing the word "Armistice" with "Veterans." The holiday now honored American veterans of all wars.
1968 to 1978: the Monday experiment
The Uniform Holidays Bill, signed in 1968, moved several federal holidays to Mondays, including Veterans Day. The first Monday observance took place on October 25, 1971. The change was unpopular because November 11 carries historical meaning, and some states kept observing the original date. On September 20, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law returning the observance to November 11, beginning in 1978.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
People mix these up often. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving. Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces, living or dead, with a special place for the living. If you see a veteran this Wednesday, a simple "thank you for your service" is welcome.
How to mark the day
- Attend a local ceremony or parade. Many Texas cities hold events on or near Nov. 11.
- Thank a veteran you know, and ask about their service if they want to share.
- Support veteran-owned businesses.
- Help a veteran find a benefit they may not know about. It might be the best gift of the day.
See our full Veterans Day 2026 guide for deals, history, and Texas veteran benefits.
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