Every year, Americans pause on November 11 to observe veterans day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This important day provides citizens the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by veterans from all branches of the military. But how did veterans day begin, and what recent discussions have emerged about its name and purpose?
Originally called Armistice Day, veterans day was established to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The date was chosen because it marks the moment when the fighting stopped on the Western Front after more than four years of conflict. In 1938, Congress passed a law designating November 11 as a day dedicated to the cause of world peace and to honor World War I veterans.
As time went on, and after the significant impact of World War II and the Korean War, veterans groups pushed for a change. They believed veterans day should honor all U.S. veterans, not just those from the First World War. The name officially changed to veterans day in 1954, expanding its scope to recognize those who served in all conflicts, from Vietnam to the present day.[^1]
With the approach of the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, recent proposals to rename or redefine veterans day have sparked national debate. In 2025, President Donald Trump suggested renaming veterans day as "Victory Day for World War I" and celebrating May 8 as "Victory Day for World War II." He argued that the United States should emphasize its victories, claiming that the nation did more than any other in achieving a victorious result in World War II. You can read more about these statements and the political background in this Newsweek article.
However, these proposals have not led to any federal changes. According to a detailed CNN analysis, federal holidays like veterans day are established by acts of Congress. The original intent of the holiday was not focused on celebrating victory, but rather on honoring veterans and promoting peace.
People sometimes confuse veterans day with Memorial Day. Both are important, but they serve different purposes. Memorial Day, observed in late May, honors those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Veterans day, by contrast, pays tribute to all military veterans, living or deceased, but especially recognizes those still with us today.
Across the United States, veterans day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and moments of reflection. Schools teach students about the sacrifices veterans have made, while communities come together to thank those who served. Many national landmarks, such as Arlington National Cemetery, host special events to honor the day.
Although debates continue about the name and broader meaning of veterans day, its central mission remains unchanged: to recognize the courage and dedication of America's veterans.
Veterans day is more than a day off from work or school. It is a crucial moment to honor, remember, and thank those who dedicated their lives to protecting the nation. As discussions about its name and focus continue, the importance of respecting and supporting our veterans remains a unifying value for Americans. To stay updated on future developments or learn more about the holiday’s evolving history, explore coverage from sources like CNN and Newsweek.
[^1]: For additional historical details on veterans day origins, see the official Veterans Affairs site as summarized in CNN’s reporting above.