The United States officially adopted the name Veterans Day in 1954.
Before 1954, November 11 was known as Armistice Day. That name commemorated the armistice ending World War I in 1918. As the nation passed through World War II and the Korean War, the original title seemed too limited because it did not explicitly include veterans of later conflicts.
Congress changed the holiday’s name in 1954, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation. The revised name made the observance a tribute to all U.S. military veterans, regardless of which war or period of service they experienced.
This date is distinct from Memorial Day, which focuses on service members who died while serving. Veterans Day recognizes veterans generally, including those who are living. The holiday’s international counterparts may use names such as Remembrance Day, but the U.S. federal holiday is officially Veterans Day.