Veterans Day has a rich tradition that goes all the way back to 1919. That is when former President Woodrow Wilson first spoke about Armistice Day — which celebrates the end of World War I — a holiday that would eventually become Veterans Day in 1954.

Learn more about the holiday, which falls on Nov. 11.

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What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a holiday first instituted on May 26, 1954, via a bill signed by former President Dwight Eisenhower. Congress later amended the bill, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and the holiday has been known as Veterans Day since.

A World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks first had the idea in 1945 to expand Armistice Day to include all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. He later received the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 from then-President Ronald Reagan.

Who is Veterans Day for?

Veterans Day is for all American military members. That includes active, retired, and deceased American military members. There are millions of active, reserve, retired, and deceased American military members for whom the holiday is dedicated.

The related Memorial Day is dedicated to dead military members, while the original Armistice Day was for dead World War I veterans.

Why is Veterans Day celebrated?

Veterans Day is an opportunity for non-military members and military members alike to appreciate the service of members of the armed forces. The day is a way to show appreciation to military members for their sacrifice.

How is Veterans Day celebrated?

The holiday is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, concerts, wreath-layings, and barbecues. Some communities choose to celebrate Veterans Day on the weekend before if the day falls on a weekday in order for more people to celebrate the holiday outside of work or school.

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When is Veterans Day celebrated?

Veterans Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11, the day that World War I ended in 1918. It coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.