Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is observed annually on Nov. 11. The day is dedicated to thanking and honoring all individuals who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A federal holiday since 1954, Veterans Day was created by an act of Congress that changed the name to honor veterans of all wars. Before that, November 11 was established as a legal holiday in 1938, originally as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I.
New York City is home to the annual Veterans Day Parade, organized by the United War Veterans Council. This year, the parade will begin at 11 a.m. ET with more than 20,000 service members, 25 floats, and 280 marching units expected to walk up Fifth Avenue on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The 2025 parade will also mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military by celebrating the birth of its three senior service branches: The Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
Federal holidays, also referred to as public holidays, are designated by Congress and recognized by the federal government.
It’s essentially a scheduled (and paid) day off for non-essential employees of the U.S. federal government. Federal employees typically receive 11 public holiday days per calendar year, plus an additional day on the day of a new president’s inauguration.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning that U.S. banks, financial markets, schools, and some retailers will be closed.
