Veterans Day 2026 is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is a federal holiday that honours everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces — living or deceased, in war or in peace. Here is what is open and closed, the history behind the date, how Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day, and meaningful ways to say thank you, including ready-to-send messages.
Veterans Day 2026 at a Glance
| Date | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Federal holiday | Yes |
| National ceremony | 11:00 AM, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery |
| UK and Commonwealth | Armistice Day (Nov 11) and Remembrance Sunday (Nov 8, 2026) |
What Is Open and Closed on Veterans Day 2026?
- Closed: federal government offices, the US Postal Service (no regular mail delivery), and most banks that follow the Federal Reserve schedule.
- Open: the stock markets (NYSE and Nasdaq normally stay open), most retail stores, restaurants and many private businesses.
- Varies: public schools and state or local offices – check your district and city.
Why Is Veterans Day on November 11?
Fighting in World War I stopped with an armistice at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month — 11 AM on November 11, 1918.
- 1919: President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day.
- 1938: Armistice Day became a legal federal holiday.
- 1954: After World War II and the Korean War, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to honour veterans of all wars; President Eisenhower signed the change.
- 1971–1977: The holiday was briefly moved to a Monday in October.
- 1978: It returned permanently to November 11, whatever day of the week it falls on.
Veterans Day vs Memorial Day
| Veterans Day | Memorial Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | November 11 | Last Monday in May |
| Honours | Everyone who has served, especially living veterans | Service members who died in military service |
| Tone | Gratitude and celebration of service | Mourning and remembrance |
How to Honour Veterans on Veterans Day 2026
- Say thank you – a simple, sincere “thank you for your service” still matters.
- Attend a local parade or ceremony, or watch the Arlington ceremony at 11 AM.
- Observe a moment of silence at 11 AM.
- Volunteer or donate to veterans’ organisations, VA hospitals or Fisher Houses.
- Write letters to veterans in care homes or to deployed service members.
- Listen – ask a veteran in your family to share their story, and record it.
- Fly the flag properly and respectfully.
- Support veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans Day Messages and Thank-You Notes
- Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice and your service. We are free because of people like you.
- Happy Veterans Day! Your service inspires me every day. Thank you.
- To the veterans in our family: we are so proud of you, today and always.
- Thank you for standing up when it mattered most. Wishing you a peaceful Veterans Day.
- Grandpa, thank you for your service and for every story you have shared with us. Happy Veterans Day.
- Your service did not end when you came home – thank you for everything you still give to our community.
- To our veteran employees and customers: thank you for your service. We are honoured to know you.
Pair your message with a short prayer from our Thanksgiving prayers or words of gratitude from our Thanksgiving messages, as the two holidays fall just two weeks apart.
Veterans Day Deals and Freebies
Many restaurants and retailers offer free meals or discounts to veterans and active-duty service members on November 11, usually with proof of service such as a military ID, VA card or DD-214. Offers change every year, so check each business directly closer to the date.
Veterans Day 2026 FAQ
What day is Veterans Day 2026?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Is there mail on Veterans Day?
No. The US Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on Veterans Day.
Is it “Veterans Day” or “Veteran’s Day”?
The official spelling is Veterans Day, with no apostrophe, because the day honours all veterans rather than belonging to one.
Are banks open on Veterans Day 2026?
Most banks that follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule are closed.
Official history and resources are at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Next up on the calendar: Thanksgiving 2026.
