The Veterans Day 2025 holiday will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and serves as a national moment to honor all U.S. military veterans for their service. Here is the latest verified information on how the day is observed, significant events, and how Americans across the country are preparing.
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What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States designated to honour veterans of the U.S. armed forces—both living and deceased. Originally called “Armistice Day,” the holiday commemorated the armistice that ended major fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1954, Congress officially changed the holiday’s name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honour veterans of all wars.
Date & Federal Holiday Status for 2025
- In 2025, Veterans Day is observed on Tuesday, November 11.
- As a federal holiday under U.S. law (5 U.S.C. 6103), federal offices will be closed, including many government agencies and the U.S. Postal Service.
- Because November 11 falls on a Tuesday, there is no alternate “observed” day; the holiday itself is that date.
Traditions & Observances for Veterans Day 2025
Each year, a range of ceremonies and community events mark Veterans Day. For 2025, several key events have been announced:
National-level observances
- At Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia), a formal wreath-laying ceremony and observance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is scheduled at 11:11 a.m. on November 11.
- In Washington, D.C., multiple memorials including the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial will host ceremonies on November 11.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that regional observance sites across 28 states will host VA-recognized ceremonies in 2025.
Local events across the country
- In Washington State, for example, the state’s veterans department published a list of local ceremonies—such as events in Olympia, Orting, Gig Harbor and Tacoma—for November 11.
- In New Mexico, the city of Albuquerque has a parade and ceremony planned: parade starts at 9 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park.
- In Phoenix, the annual “Honoring America’s Veterans” parade will draw thousands of spectators and veterans on November 11.
What many Americans do
- Attend a parade or ceremony near-their community.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery and take part in a moment of reflection.
- Thank a veteran they know for their service, or acknowledge veterans in public-facing ways (stickers, social-media posts, flags).
- Some schools host assemblies, and businesses may offer services or discounts for veterans.
Why It Matters in 2025
Veterans Day remains relevant and significant for several reasons:
- It acknowledges the service of an estimated 18 million veterans living across every U.S. state and territory.
- The day distinguishes itself from other military-observance holidays: unlike Memorial Day, which honours those who died in service, Veterans Day honours all who served—living or deceased.
- Coming at a time when the U.S. military remains engaged globally and veteran-care issues (including healthcare, benefits and mental-health support) continue to press, the holiday provides a public moment to reflect and act.
- The 2025 observances are broadly seen as inclusive of all service eras—from World War II to recent deployments—in a moment when younger veterans are also entering into community life and need recognition.
What to Know for November 11, 2025
Here are key practical points for U.S. readers planning ahead for Veterans Day 2025:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 |
| Federal Office Closure | Federal agencies and many public-services offices closed. |
| Banks & Financial Services | Many banks follow the federal holiday schedule; check with your branch for hours. |
| Parades & Ceremonies | Large events in Washington D.C., New York, Phoenix, Albuquerque and across states. |
| Observed vs. Real Date | Since the actual holiday falls on a weekday (Tuesday), there is no alternate observed day. |
| Public Participation | All citizens—veterans, family members, community members—are encouraged to attend and honour. |
How You Can Participate
Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or a civically-minded citizen, here are ways to meaningfully mark the day:
- Attend a local parade or ceremony and arrive early for seating.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery and pause at 11 a.m. for a moment of silence.
- Share a sincere “thank you” to veterans in your life or community.
- Engage schools or youth groups in learning about veteran service and the history of Veterans Day.
- Consider volunteering with a veterans-service organization locally—many appreciate hands-on help beyond the holiday.
- Fly the American flag, or invite others to do so, according to the U.S. Flag Code guidelines.
- Post on social media using appropriate hashtags—e.g., #VeteransDay2025—to raise awareness and encourage respect.
- Make plans ahead for closures (financial services, postal service, government offices) so you’re not caught off-guard.
Final Thoughts
The “Veterans Day 2025” observance on November 11 is more than a holiday—it is a national moment of gratitude, reflection and connection. Across cities and towns, from quiet ceremonies at memorials to large parades on main streets, Americans will join together to honour those who have served. If you haven’t yet planned how you’ll mark the day, now’s a good time to do so.
We invite you to share your own ideas or local event suggestions in the comments below—and check back as more community-based observances for Veterans Day 2025 are announced.