A Medal of Honor recipient shakes hands with a Korean War veteran during an Honor Flight

Veterans Day • November 11, 2026

Honoring All Who Served

For everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and the families beside them.

The History

What Happened

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day. It marked the end of fighting in World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Read the Full History

A Vietnam veteran salutes in front of an American flag as the community welcomes him home from an Honor Flight
A Vietnam veteran salutes as his community welcomes him home from an Honor Flight, Fort Lauderdale, October 2026.

Thank You for Your Service

Veterans Day belongs to every branch and every generation. Thank a veteran, raise a flag with care, or listen to the stories of those who served. To every veteran, and to the families who stood with you: thank you.

Photos: Fort Campbell hosts Medal of Honor recipients with Honor Flight, U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Thomas Satterfield, 101st Division Artillery; Honor Flight, U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Omar Powell, U.S. Southern Command; via DVIDS. The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.