Is Veterans Day Always November 11th?
Contents
- 1 About Veterans Day
- 2 A Short History of Veterans Day
- 3 Is Veterans Day Always November 11th?
- 4 | Year | Veterans Day Date | | — | — | | Before 1968 | November 11th | | 1968-1971 | November 27, 1969 November 18, 1970 | | 1971-2019 | Fourth Monday in November | | 2020-present | November 11th |Note: In 1971, Veterans Day was restored to its original date of **November 11th** by an act of Congress, but it will be observed on the fourth Monday of November until at least 2025 due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Frequency of Veterans Day Being on November 11th
- 5 Conclusion
About Veterans Day
Veterans Day, officially known as Armistice Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed every year on November 11th. This holiday is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The purpose of Veterans Day is to celebrate the end of World War I, which concluded with the signing of the Armistice of November 11, 1918.
A Short History of Veterans Day
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was established by Congress on May 13, 1919, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting in World War I. The holiday was created by President Woodrow Wilson and was initially intended to honor the sacrifices of soldiers who died during the war. Over time, the holiday evolved to include celebrations of all American veterans who served in the military, including those who served during other wars and conflicts.
Is Veterans Day Always November 11th?
In short, no. While Veterans Day is typically observed on November 11th, it was not always the case. Prior to 1968, Armistice Day was celebrated on November 11th, exactly 11 years after the armistice. However, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends for workers. As a result, Veterans Day began to be observed on the fourth Monday of November starting in 1971.
| — | — |
| Before 1968 | November 11th |
| 1968-1971 | November 27, 1969
November 18, 1970 |
| 1971-2019 | Fourth Monday in November |
| 2020-present | November 11th |
Note: In 1971, Veterans Day was restored to its original date of **November 11th** by an act of Congress, but it will be observed on the fourth Monday of November until at least 2025 due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Frequency of Veterans Day Being on November 11th
Out of the 102 Veterans Day celebrations since 1919, **only about half** of them were on November 11th. The rest were spread out over the month, typically falling on the nearest Monday. However, it is worth noting that many American businesses and organizations, despite the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, still choose to honor Veterans Day on the traditional date of **November 11th**.
Traditions and events surrounding Veterans Day include:
• Parades and ceremonies to honor the sacrifices of military personnel and their families
• Discounted services and discounts from businesses, such as travel and retail deals
• Memorial services and memorial Day observances
• Commemorative events at National Cemeteries
• Educational programs and museum exhibitions
Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the service and sacrifice of all American veterans. Whether they served in peacekeeping missions, combat operations, or humanitarian efforts, each veteran has contributed to the safety and security of our country. By honoring Veterans Day, we recognize their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty.
Conclusion
While Veterans Day is typically celebrated on the fourth Monday in November, it is still the intention of Congress and American citizens to honor this significant holiday on **November 11th** whenever possible. As we acknowledge the sacrifices of our brave service members, we rededicate ourselves to the causes they have fought for, ensuring that their service is never forgotten.
