Veterans Day in the United States
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Veterans Day in the United States is a U.S. federal holiday associated with all U.S. military veterans. Its legal calendar rule is November 11.
Veterans Day
Holiday
United States
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Wednesday
Day
Nov
11
November 11, 2026
Veterans Day Date in United States
Date
November 11, 2026
Day
Wednesday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Veterans Day Dates in United States
Veterans Day 2026
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
Veterans Day 2027
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
Veterans Day 2028
- Confirmed Official OPM 2028 federal holiday schedule; observed/in-lieu date where applicable. HolidayYear remains 2028, including the 31 December 2027 in-lieu date for New Year's Day 2028.
History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of First World War fighting on November 11, 1918. Congress renamed it in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars and restored observance to November 11 beginning in 1978.
Importance of Veterans Day
Federal-holiday status governs federal agencies and covered federal employees. It does not require every private employer, state, school, bank or business to close or provide paid leave.
How Veterans Day Is Celebrated in United States
VA coordinates the national observance, while ceremonies, parades and tributes honor living and deceased veterans. Its purpose differs from Memorial Day’s focus on those who died in service.
Office Impact
Most federal offices close on the OPM-listed day, subject to essential staffing. State, local and private offices follow their own laws, calendars and employer policies.
Bank Impact
Federal Reserve and bank schedules should be checked separately. Branch hours and payment settlement can change even when electronic services remain available.
School Impact
School calendars are determined by state and local systems and individual institutions; a federal holiday is not a universal national school-closure mandate.
Travel Information
November 11 is fixed, with an OPM in-lieu weekday when applicable. Local ceremonies can affect access, so check community and operator notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Veterans Day in the United States?
The legal rule is November 11. OPM may list an earlier Friday or later Monday as the observed day for federal employees.
Must private employers close?
No. Federal law does not generally require private employers to provide holiday leave or holiday pay.
Are the legal and observed dates always the same?
No. A weekend fixed-date holiday can have an in-lieu weekday for most federal employees.