Current:Home > FinanceWhy the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time -TruePath Finance
Why the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time
View
Date:2025-04-20 05:08:19
President Joe Biden laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday for Veterans Day as thousands marched through the streets of New York. Smaller parades were held across the nation to honor Americans who have served in the U.S. military.
The Veterans Day holiday began more than a century ago, albeit under a different name, as a celebration of the end of World War I. Over time its name and purpose evolved into a day of recognition for U.S. veterans of all wars as well as those currently serving in uniform.
It’s also day off for U.S. postal workers and other federal government employees, as well as many schoolchildren. Numerous stores and businesses offer giveaways and discounts.
Here’s a look at how the United States celebrates Veterans Day and how it started:
What’s the history behind Veterans Day?
It began as Armistice Day to celebrate the agreement between the Allied nations and Germany to cease all fighting during World War I that took effect at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.
The U.S. marked its first Armistice Day under President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Congress made Nov. 11 an official federal holiday in 1938.
A holiday dedicated to those who fought in what had been known as “the war to end all wars” got a reevaluation after World War II. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day, reflecting a broader purpose to honor veterans of all wars.
Other changes weren’t so well received, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ website. Federal Veterans Day observances were moved to Mondays in the early 1970s, causing confusion as some states stuck with the Nov. 11 date.
In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a law moving federal observances back to Nov. 11. The U.S. has celebrated Veterans Day on that date ever since.
How is Veterans Day commemorated?
Communities around the U.S. have held parades celebrating war veterans on Nov. 11 dating back to the first Armistice Day in 1919.
The nation’s largest Veterans Day parade is held in New York with a procession along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. According to the United War Veterans Council, which organizes the parade, an estimated 20,000 marchers were taking part in 2024.
U.S. presidents lay a wreath during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington. In remarks at the cemetery’s memorial amphitheater Monday, Biden said it had been his life’s honor to serve as commander in chief of “the finest fighting force in the history of the world.”
Other countries including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia also honor veterans on or near Nov. 11. They call their day of commemoration Remembrance Day.
How does Veterans Day differ from Memorial Day?
While Veterans Day events tend to focus on giving thanks to all U.S. military veterans, both living and dead, Memorial Day observances traditionally have been about memorializing those killed during wars.
Memorial Day got its start after the Civil War, with the first national observance of what was then called Decoration Day on May 30, 1868. An organization of Union Army veterans called for decorating war graves with flowers.
Since 1971, the U.S. has marked Memorial Day on the last Monday in May rather than on May 30. The resulting three-day weekend has led to some complaints that the day’s true purpose of somber remembrance has been undermined by its more leisurely recognition as the unofficial start of summer.
What’s open and what’s closed on Veterans Day?
Because it’s a federal holiday, the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t deliver the mail on Veterans Day. Federal courts and other government offices are closed as well.
Most banks in the U.S. take the day off, as do many public schools.
The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq remain open, though bond markets are closed.
Though some private businesses observe Veterans Day, most retailers remain open, with many offering special deals. Many restaurants offer free meals to veterans and current members of the military, who also benefit from Veterans Day discounts from retailers. Some zoos and museums waive admission, while certain shops give away haircuts and automobile oil changes, according to a list compiled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
veryGood! (78)
Related
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Dust-up
- Paris Olympics lifts intimacy ban for athletes and is stocking up on 300,000 condoms
- Bill and Lisa Ford to raise $10M for Detroit youth nonprofit endowments
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Alito extends order barring Texas from detaining migrants under SB4 immigration law for now
- As electric vehicle sales slow, US relaxes plans for stricter auto emissions standards for a while
- Former NHL player, boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka dies at age 42
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Watch this newborn chick revived by a quick-thinking farmer
Ranking
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Dr. Dre had three strokes after his brain aneurysm. How common is that?
- Whoopi Goldberg Reveals the Weight Loss Drug She Used to Slim Down
- Bill and Lisa Ford to raise $10M for Detroit youth nonprofit endowments
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Missing college student's debit card found along Nashville river; police share new video
- Paris Olympics lifts intimacy ban for athletes and is stocking up on 300,000 condoms
- Suspect accused of killing 3 Muslim men in Albuquerque found guilty of murder
Recommendation
Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
'Who Would Win?': March Mammal Madness is underway. Here's everything players need to know
Don't Miss Out on These Early Fashion Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale That Include Up to 66% Off
Odell Beckham Jr. says goodbye to Baltimore in social media post
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
Last suspect in Philadelphia bus stop shooting that wounded 8 is captured in Virginia
Krispy Kreme celebrates the arrival of spring by introducing 4 new mini doughnut flavors
TV is meant to be watched together. Your guide to Apple SharePlay, Amazon Prime Watch Party