Veterans Day 2021 | Military.com

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

You already know why Veterans Day is important. You are the service members, veterans or family and friends of veterans who stay up-to-date on military news, pay, benefits, fitness and veteran jobs.

Related: 2021 Veterans Day Restaurants Deals and Discounts

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.

This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.

Related: Learn about the history of Veterans Day

We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

What do you need to know about celebrating Veterans Day? Here's some more information.

Is Veterans Day on the same day every year?

When first celebrated as Armistice Day, the day marked the end of World War I, formally recognized on the "11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month" in 1918.

Today we continue to celebrate the day as Veterans Day, still recognizing the original tie with November 11. That means Veterans Day is on the same day every year -- November 11 -- regardless of on which day of the week it falls. When the date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, government officials or businesses may recognize it on both the official day and the following Monday.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, a bank holiday and, in most states, a state holiday. That means that federal employees, including military members, are typically given the day off and, in most states, state workers are as well.

Whether Veterans Day is taken as a work holiday by companies is a business decision. Many companies choose to take off either Veterans Day or Columbus Day, which falls in October, but not both.

Do schools close on Veterans Day?

Many schools do close on Veterans Day, but whether they do so is typically not a one-size-fits-all decision.

Public school holidays are set by the local school board, while private school holidays are set by private officials. State and private school college holidays are set much the same way. Check with your local school to confirm their calendar.

5 Things You Don't Know About Veterans Day

Featured Veterans Day Articles

Veterans Day DiscountsHere's How to Maximize Your Free Veterans Day FoodVeterans and Volunteerism: How One Veteran Turned His Love of Mountain Biking into a Way to Help OthersVeterans and Volunteerism: How A Retired Colonel Makes Helping Vets Transition His MissionVeterans Doing Good in 2020: This Army Vet Refused to Let Lockdown Stand in the Way of VolunteeringHow to Find Your Old Military Buddies After You Get OutThese Are the Best Cities for Veterans to Live, Buy a HomeVA Home Loan: Are You Eligible?8 Ways to Express Appreciation on Veterans DayVietnam Marine Veteran in Hospice Care Reunites with Beloved Dog One Last TimeTop 10 Celebrity Veterans5 Truly Badass Female VeteransMilitary Appreciation and Giving Back to Veterans on Veterans DayVeterans Day 2021 Parades, Events and MoreWhat Are Your VA Benefits? We Tell You What They Are And How To Get ThemYour 2021 State Veterans BenefitsThe 7 Most Dangerous Veteran Jobs in America, and Where to Get One3 Things Veterans Want You to Know on Veterans DayFamous Veterans Who Died in 2020Five Transition Tips from Two American HeroesThese 2 Cities Have Both Been Declared Best for VeteransNew York Veterans Day 2021 Parade: Live StreamRemembering Soldiers Who Lost Their Lives on the First Veterans DayWar Memorial Visits Offer Reflection, Closure for Vets on Honor Flight Journey4 Surprising Celebrity VeteransOut of the Military, Into the Great Outdoors: Interview with Gen. James Conway and Master Sgt. Blaine ScottCelebrate Veterans Day With the 13 Top Military Homecoming Videos on YouTube5 Ways to Celebrate Your Veterans on Veterans Day15 Years After the Iraq War's Deadliest Battle, Marines Fight to Save Their ComradesVeterans Day HistoryView More

Commentary: What Veterans Day Is All About

After I Received the Medal of Honor, the Hardest Battle of My Life BeganBob Dole Marks WWII Anniversary with a Reflection on Sacrifice and ServiceVeterans Day: The Real HeroesHonoring Our Veterans With Our ActionsDon't Just Thank Me For My Service, Ask Me About ItNever Forget Our Most Sacred Obligations

Veterans Day

• 2021 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies
• National K9 Veterans Day
• Vietnam Veterans Day
• In Honor of Veterans Day

Get the Deals & Discounts Newsletter

Get weekly military discounts on food, travel, lodging, moving, entertainment and more.

Email Subscribe Now - FREE By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice. Thank youfor subscribing!

View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page.

One last step.

Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to:

Veterans Day Discounts & Events

2021 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies

Businesses salute our military heroes on Veterans Day with a host of discounts and freebies for veterans, service members and...

2021 Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals and Discounts

Restaurants are saluting Veterans Day with free meals and discounts for veterans, service members and their families.

2021 Military Travel and Recreation Discounts for Veterans Day

We scour the universe for the best military travel and recreation discounts to celebrate veterans and Veterans Day. Find...

2021 Veterans Day Retail Deals and Discounts

Businesses are saluting Veterans Day with a host of discounts and freebies for veterans, service members and their families....

Veterans Day 2021 Parades, Events and More

Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity to use fun events such as parades to learn about the importance of the Veterans Day...

Military Appreciation and Giving Back to Veterans on Veterans Day

Veterans Day is also a day where Americans can work with organizations who support the military, veterans and their families.

More Veterans Day Articles

National Parks Offer Free Admission to Everyone on Veterans Day

Many locations are holding special free Veterans Day events.

Stolen Valor Is So Grubby - Stolen for What? To Impress Who?

"I wanted him to feel that shiver up the spine we all feel, that I've felt, when our awkward lies are revealed."

Celebrating Veteran Health on Veterans Day

This year, the Veterans Health Administration celebrates 75 years of providing world-class health care and veteran-centered...

'United States of Al' Pays Tribute to the Veterans Day Food Crawl

This episode opens with the family crowded around a local map with stickers marking all of the restaurants offering free food...

Veterans Day Parades Make a Comeback, But COVID Is Still Holding Some Cities Off

Veterans Day will be different again this year in a nation still battling to escape the grip of a pandemic.

View more

Select Service

• Army
• Marines
• Navy
• Air Force
• National Guard
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Spouse

LoginArmyMy ProfileArmy Home PageNavyMy ProfileNavy Home PageAir ForceMy ProfileAir Force Home PageMarinesMy ProfileMarines Home PageCoast GuardMy ProfileCoast Guard Home PageSpace ForceMy ProfileSpace Force Home PageNational GuardMy ProfileNational Guard Home PageSpouseMy ProfileSpouse Home PageMy ProfileNews Home Page

Military Holidays

• Air Force Birthday
• Army Birthday
• Coast Guard Birthday
• Flag Day
• Celebrate July 4th, 2021
• Marine Corps Birthday
• Memorial Day 2021
• Military Appreciation Month 2021
• Military Family Appreciation Month
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day
• National Guard Birthday
• Celebrate the Navy Birthday
• Veterans Day 2021