This federal holiday honors all living and deceased veterans who served in the United States military.
The holiday originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919 to mark the end of World War I—major fighting ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, the holiday became Veterans Day to honor veterans of all American wars.