Veterans Day takes place on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. For 2019, that means that Veterans Day takes place on Monday, Nov. 11.
Why Nov. 11? The Nov. 11 date for Veterans Day refers to the armistice date of Nov. 11, 1918, when World War I hostilities ceased. Even though the war would not officially end until the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, Nov. 11 was seen by most as the day the war came to its conclusion.
In November 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, which included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business and school activities at 11 a.m. On May 13, 1938, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday, "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" Congress amended the act in 1954, changing the holiday to "Veterans. Day" and opening it up to become a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
For more on Veterans Day, including Veterans Day discounts for veterans and active service members, as well as more on the history behind the holiday and more information on Veterans Day events, visit Military.com's Veterans Day section.
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