Veterans Day

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

World War I—known at the time as “The Great War”—officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles near the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the way to end all wars.”

This year, Veterans Day ceremonies recognized by VA will be held in 66 communities throughout 34 states and the District of Columbia to honor the nation's veterans.  

Gene Russell, an Army Veteran and VA employee, submitted the winning design for the 2023 Veterans Day Poster Contest.

To ensure fitting Veterans Day tributes occur across the country, VA and the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) encourage communities and non-profit organizations to submit applications to host VA-recognized regional Veterans Day observances.

VA and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting submissions for the 2023 Veterans Day Poster Contest. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 1, 2023.

Tennessee Veterans and staff were treated to a Veterans Day concert hosted by Musicians On Call and Wrangler at Alvin C. York VA in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Navy Veteran Shane Whitecloud reflects on his time in service, some misadventures in life and what Veterans Day means to him.

ICYMI is "In Case You Missed It," and if you haven't seen this week's "Veterans Resources" newsletters, then here's the news you need for Veterans Day events and discounts!

Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) on Veterans Day for Veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating stores.

This list of more than 500 Veterans Day and Veterans Month events is organized by state and will continue to be updated as we learn of more events.

Operation Gratitude thanks them for their service because they were called—or they volunteered—to be part of something bigger than themselves.