Veterans Day 2026: History, Meaning, and 10 Ways to Honor U.S. Veterans

Every November 11, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in our military. Whether it’s a veteran you know personally or heroes you’ll never meet, Veterans Day is a chance to reflect, remember, and show gratitude. Here’s everything you need to know about the holiday and 10 ways you can honor veterans this year.

When Is Veterans Day and Why It Matters

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. 

In 2026, Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, November 11.

What Does Veterans Day Mean?

Veterans Day is an important day set aside to honor and show appreciation for ALL who have served in the United States military—in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased.

We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.
–Roy Rogers

In Canada, November 11 is called Remembrance Day. This day, more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day, honors veterans who have died in service to their country.

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: Understanding the Difference

On both Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:

• Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who have served, living or deceased, but in particular the living veterans among us.
• Memorial Day specifically commemorates the men and women who died while serving their country and made the ultimate sacrifice. 

A Short History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first Armistice Day in 1919.

In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday by an act of Congress.

In 1954, this federal holiday was changed from “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day.

Although this holiday initially honored those who perished in service to their country, when the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

How to Show Gratitude to Veterans: 10 Meaningful Ways

Remember that Veterans Day is to honor the service of all Americans who have served, but particularly the living veterans among us. Many of our veterans stepped into harm’s way on our behalf. 

Therefore, a cheery “Happy Veterans Day!” may not be fitting for a person who may have friends who died in combat. According to a veterans poll, 49% of vets feel uneasy with the expression “Thank you for your service.” They weren’t sure how to respond and preferred action to words. 

But don’t get hung up on not knowing exactly how to express your gratitude to a veteran. Everyone knows and appreciates a kind word and, even better, an act of kindness.

Here are 10 ways you can show vets that you appreciate the sacrifices they made:

1. If you personally know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), reach out to them on Veterans Day with a phone call or visit. This is one opportunity to engage beyond just saying thank you. If they are comfortable discussing it, ask where they served, where they were stationed, what specific jobs they did while serving, and so on.
2. If you’re not close to a veteran, write a thank-you card and drop it off at a VA hospital. If you’re not in time for this Veterans Day, still write one; a thoughtful card is appreciated any time. Or, contact Operation Gratitude, which sends letters of thanks and care packages to veterans as well as those deployed.
3. Place a small flag on a veteran’s grave. This is an annual tradition for many scout troops. In some states, there are “Operation Flags for Vets” organizations. Call your local cemetery first for permission.
4. Do you have a driver’s license? Help bring disabled veterans to their doctor appointments. Contact the hospital service coordinator at your local VA hospital.
5. If you make charitable donations, consider helping wounded veterans. Or, sponsor an “honor flight” to send veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Washington, D.C., to see their national monuments. Donate here.
6. Perhaps you or your church group or scout group would like to actively help a veteran in your own community? Contact a local veterans assistance program, such as the one offered by DAV. From helping do yard work to running errands, there’s sure to be a need.
7. Call your VA hospital to see how you can help out.
8. Display the flag proudly to salute our veterans! See how to properly display the American flag.
9. Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and reflect on the poem’s significance to veterans.
10. Spend an hour or more learning about our nation’s veterans. The Great War Society has developed a website devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War II Memorial celebrates the victory of “the greatest generation” with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial online; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Learn about the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, also in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., which was established to honor the more than 265,000 military and civilian women who served around the world during the Vietnam Era.