veterans day 2023: what to know about federal holiday honoring vets

Veterans Day is on Nov. 11 every year, regardless of what day of the week it falls. This year, it's on a Saturday.

Veterans Day is a significant annual day of remembrance that honors all those who have served in the military, past or present. It was originally known as Armistice Day, established after World War I and recognized as one of the 10 federal holidays by the U.S. government in the 1930s. The holiday is meant to honor veterans of all wars, not just World War I.

In 2023, Veterans Day falls on November 11, which is a Saturday. Federal employees will observe the holiday on the previous day, Friday, November 10, and many government services, schools, and companies will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Originally called "Armistice Day," it was recognized as an official holiday by Congress in 1938 to honor veterans of World War I. In 1954, the name was changed to "Veterans Day" to honor veterans of all American wars, following World War II and the Korean War. President Gerald Ford moved the observance back to its original date of November 11 in 1978.

Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day, which is observed in May and honors those who served and gave their lives for their country. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all veterans, both living and dead, who served in any wars, past or present. Both holidays have unique purposes and are observed at different times of the year.