When is Veterans Day?
November 11. Here is the date, the background and what to know before you make plans.
Next Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026Veterans Day dates, 2026–2031
Rule: November 11. When it falls on a weekend, federal offices observe it on the Friday before (Saturday) or the Monday after (Sunday).
What’s open on Veterans Day
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Closed Closed at most national banks; some regional and community banks stay open |
| Post Office / Mail delivery | Closed |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Open Open (regular trading day — one of two federal holidays the market ignores) |
| Federal government offices | Closed |
| Public schools | Varies Mixed — many close, but a meaningful share remain in session |
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so federal offices and the post office close, but along with Columbus Day it’s one of only two federal holidays when the stock market stays open for regular trading. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
The story behind Veterans Day
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, established in 1938 to commemorate the armistice that ended fighting in World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. After World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ groups pushed to broaden the day to honor all U.S. military veterans, not just those from WWI.
Congress renamed it Veterans Day in 1954. It briefly moved to the fourth Monday in October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in the early 1970s, but public objection was strong enough that Congress returned it permanently to November 11 in 1978.
Veterans Day and Memorial Day are different
Veterans Day honors all who served in the U.S. armed forces. Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving. Keeping that distinction clear helps invitations, school materials and public messages use the appropriate language.
The date remains November 11 because of its connection to the World War I armistice. Federal observance can shift to an adjacent weekday when November 11 falls on a weekend.
How it’s celebrated
Observances include parades, ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries, and moments of silence, often at 11 a.m. local time echoing the original armistice hour. Many businesses offer discounts or free meals to veterans and active-duty service members.
Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces, living or deceased; Memorial Day, by contrast, specifically honors those who died in service.
Planning around the day
Veterans Day planning checklist
- Before the date: Check the federal observed date before planning an office visit.
- Check locally: Look for local parade routes, ceremonies and road closures.
- For travel: Confirm school attendance because district policies vary.
- Final check: Use Veterans Day language that recognizes everyone who served.
Frequently asked questions
Is Veterans Day always November 11?
Yes. Its calendar date is fixed, although the federal observed weekday can shift.
Is Veterans Day the same as Memorial Day?
No. Veterans Day honors all veterans; Memorial Day remembers those who died while serving.
Are banks and post offices closed?
Many banks and USPS operations close according to their holiday schedules; confirm local details.
Is school closed?
Some districts close and others remain open with commemorative programs.
When is Veterans Day in 2027?
It is Thursday, November 11, 2027.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.