Veterans Day on Friday, 11/11/11

Veterans Day, a federal holiday, originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. But not until 1926 did Congress pass a resolution for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day has evolved also into an occasion to honor living military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11. It is not a Monday holiday unless the 11^th is a Monday. And this year it is on 11/11/11.

Please note that it is Veterans Day, not Veterans' or Veteran's Day—no apostrophe.

For much more information about the history of this day honoring those who have served their country in the military, go to the Veterans Day History home page.

Or even more information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Arlington’s Veterans Day parade on Friday will start at 10:30 in East Arlington at Walgreens’s parking lot on Massachusetts Avenue and continue to Monument Square, where a ceremony honoring veterans will be held. Retired Arlington police officer and Navy veteran Dennis Corbett will serve as Grand Marshal.