Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day.
The annual November holiday is designated to recognize and honor U.S. military personnel and their service.
The observance was first established as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919 and was intended to commemorate the end of World War I.
Congress later passed a resolution declaring it an annual observance in 1926. And in 1938, Armistice Day was deemed a national holiday.
But is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
You might be surprised to learn that there’s a difference between a national holiday and a federal one.
A national holiday is one recognized by most businesses, retailers and the government. A federal holiday, however, is one that the government designates specifically for federal institutions and their employees.
For example, the U.S. Post Office is a government institution and, therefore, opens and closes accordingly on federal holidays.
Each year, there are 11 federal holidays in which the U.S. Post Office and other institutions are closed, along with most schools and banks, too. Find out which ones they are and if Veterans Day is considered a federal holiday.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
After being named a national holiday in 1938, Armistice Day was commemorated annually until President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the honor to encompass all military service persons who have served their country, whether in peacetime or war.
Renamed “Veterans Day,” the holiday was signed into law and designated a federal holiday in 1954.
So, yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning a majority of government agencies and institutions — as well as schools and banks — are closed in observance of the day.
How is Veterans Day commemorated?
In recognition of Veterans Day, many communities, towns and cities host parades, services and other commemorations to honor veterans. There’s also a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery each year in which a wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m.
Many restaurants and businesses across the country recognize the day by offering special discounts and free food to service men and women, and citizens often show their support by flying flags and observing a moment of silence to honor the fallen.
What are the other federal holidays?
In addition to Veterans Day, there are 10 other federal holidays observed each year. They are:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
