Holidays
Veterans Day Countdown
Wed, November 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM CSTRepeats yearly
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Veterans Day honors living and deceased members of the military who served during war or peacetime. The observance traces back to the temporary cessation of World War I hostilities on November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day in 1919, and Congress later established it as a recurring holiday in 1938.
Following the massive mobilizations of World War II and the Korean War, legislation in 1954 expanded the holiday's scope to honor veterans of all military conflicts, changing the official title to Veterans Day. It remains distinct from Memorial Day, which focuses specifically on service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Observances across the country include local parades, public ceremonies, and a synchronized two-minute national moment of silence. Non-essential government administrative operations and postal delivery pause for the day, though retail stores and private businesses generally remain open.
Details
- Country / Region
- United States
- Type
- Federal
Frequently asked questions
- When is Veterans Day 2026?
- Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wed, November 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM CST.
- What is the significance of the Veterans Day National Moment of Silence?
- Federal law encourages a synchronized two-minute pause beginning at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Time (11:11 a.m. Pacific Time). The timing symbolic connects to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the World War I armistice went into effect.
- How does Veterans Day differ from Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day?
- Veterans Day pays tribute to all individuals who served in the armed forces during both war and peace. Memorial Day specifically commemorates service members who died while serving, whereas Armed Forces Day honors those actively serving in the military.
- Which facilities close for the holiday?
- Post office locations, non-essential administrative offices, federal courts, and many banking institutions close for the day. Public schools and local government services may close depending on the local district, while most commercial retailers remain open.
- What time does Veterans Day 2026 release in my timezone?
- The countdown on this page converts Veterans Day 2026 to your local time automatically, so the clock always reflects your own timezone.
Last updated: 9/4/2026
