Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11

This Monday is Veterans Day, the annual federal holiday that celebrates and remembers all who have served in the military, both in wartime and peacetime.

The day has been observed in one form or another since 1919, when then-President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first anniversary of the World War I armistice, saying, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

It was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1938 and became known as Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11—the day the armistice ending World War I was signed—every year, regardless of what day it falls on.

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When is Veterans Day observed in 2024?

Veterans Day falls on a Monday this year, meaning that federal employees will observe the federal holiday that day, and many non-essential government services will be closed.

Many schools and companies will also be closed Monday in observation of the holiday. Most retail stores and eateries traditionally remain open, often offering discounts for military veterans.

What was Veterans Day originally called?

The day was first recognized by Congress in 1926, and became an official holiday in 1938, when it was known as "Armistice Day" and was primarily meant to celebrate World War I veterans.

In 1954, following both World War II and the Korean War, the word "armistice" was changed to "veterans" to honor veterans of all American wars. The day Veterans Day was celebrated moved a few times over the years, but President Gerald Ford moved it back to its annual observance on the Nov. 11 date by 1978.

Is Veterans Day different from Memorial Day?

Besides being observed in two different months, the set purpose of Veterans Day and Memorial Day is different.

Memorial Day is observed the last Monday of May each year, and is meant to honor all who served and gave their lives for their country. Veterans Day is in November, and honors all veterans, both living and dead, who served in times of war and peace.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com