Veterans Day 2026

When Is Veterans Day in 2026?

In 2026, Veterans Day falls on November 11. The observance lasts 1 day. Veterans Day is observed on a fixed date each year. A US federal holiday observed on November 11 (or the nearest Friday/Monday if it falls on a weekend). Many other countries observe November 11 as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, but the US Veterans Day specifically honors all military veterans. The WWI armistice took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (11:00 AM, November 11, 1918 — Paris time). Veterans Day is observed on the same date each year: November 11. Here are the dates for the next five years: Year Date 2026 November 11 2027 November 11 2028 November 10 (observed) 2029 November 12 (observed) 2030 November 11

What Time Does Veterans Day Start in Your Time Zone?

Veterans Day is fixed on November 11 — the date of the World War I armistice in 1918. As a U.S. federal holiday, it is observed nationwide on that date. When November 11 falls on a Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday November 10 for federal employees; when it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday November 12. In 2026, November 11 falls on a Wednesday, so the holiday is observed on November 11 itself — creating a mid-week holiday. Because Veterans Day is a fixed Gregorian date, it is timezone-independent. Americans in all 50 states (which span 6 time zones) observe Veterans Day on November 11. The 11 AM wreath-laying at Arlington occurs at 11 AM EST (4 PM UTC) — the hour the armistice took effect in 1918, when the time was 11 AM in France (where the armistice was signed). Veterans Day observances in other countries (as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day) also include a two-minute silence at 11 AM local time. The table below shows the observance date for Veterans Day in major time zones around the world: Location Observance Date Time Zone New York, USA November 11 EST/EDT (UTC-5/-4) London, UK November 11 GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1) New Delhi, India November 11 IST (UTC+5:30) Sydney, Australia November 11 AEST/AEDT (UTC+10/+11) Dubai, UAE November 11 GST (UTC+4)

The Story Behind Veterans Day

Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is a U.S. federal holiday honoring all military veterans — those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, whether in wartime or peacetime. The day is distinct from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), which honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice signed on November 11, 1918, that ended the fighting of World War I (the armistice took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The first Armistice Day was observed on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the armistice. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the day one of "solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service." Congress passed a resolution in 1926 calling for annual observances, and Armistice Day became a national holiday in 1938. After World War II — which required the largest mobilization of American forces in history — a movement began to expand the holiday to honor all veterans, not just those of World War I. In 1954, Congress amended the holiday law, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and Veterans Day has been observed on November 11 ever since. The date is the same as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other Allied countries (the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and others), which also observe November 11 as a day of remembrance for those who died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. The U.S. observance differs in focus: while other countries' observances are primarily about the dead (with two-minute silences and the wearing of poppies), the U.S. Veterans Day is about honoring all who served, living and dead. The dead are honored on Memorial Day in May.

How Veterans Day Is Celebrated

Veterans Day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and the flying of the American flag. The official national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, where the President (or a representative) lays a wreath at 11 AM — the hour the World War I armistice took effect. The ceremony includes a color guard, the playing of Taps, and a 21-gun salute. Similar ceremonies are held at veterans' cemeteries, war memorials, and community centers across the country. Many restaurants, retailers, and other businesses offer free meals, discounts, or other perks to veterans on Veterans Day — a tradition that has grown in recent decades. Applebee's, Chili's, Olive Garden, and many other chain restaurants offer free meals to veterans on November 11. National parks and other federal lands offer free admission. Schools often hold assemblies where veterans are invited to speak about their service, and many communities organize appreciation events for local veterans. The American flag is flown at full staff on Veterans Day (unlike Memorial Day, when it is flown at half-staff until noon). The Veterans Day National Ceremony includes the parading of the colors by veterans' organizations, the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the national anthem, and remarks by political leaders. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and other veterans' organizations hold their own ceremonies and events. Many communities also use the day to raise funds for veterans' charities and to support veterans who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling with the aftereffects of their service.

Veterans Day on the Calendar

Veterans Day is fixed on November 11, the date of the World War I armistice in 1918. The date never changes. From 1971 to 1977, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday of October as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, but the change was unpopular (since the historical significance of November 11 was lost), and in 1978 the holiday was returned to November 11. The fixed date is part of what gives Veterans Day its solemnity — it is always observed on the historical anniversary, regardless of the day of the week.

Fixed on November 11 (anniversary of the WWI armistice, 1918)

Did You Know? Veterans Day Facts & Trivia

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice signed on November 11, 1918, that ended the fighting of World War I. The armistice took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — a precise timing that gave the day its symbolic weight. After World War II, a movement began to expand the holiday to honor all veterans, not just those of World War I. In 1954, Congress amended the holiday law, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and Veterans Day has been observed on November 11 ever since. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), which honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day honors all who have served, whether in wartime or peacetime. The two holidays have different emphases: Memorial Day is for mourning, Veterans Day is for appreciation. Many restaurants, retailers, and other businesses offer free meals, discounts, or other perks to veterans on Veterans Day. Applebee's, Chili's, Olive Garden, and many other chain restaurants offer free meals to veterans on November 11. National parks and other federal lands offer free admission.