Veterans Day

Culture of origin: National · National holiday

Holiday sources: United States (federal)

It began as Armistice Day, the anniversary of the armistice that took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, and became a legal US holiday in 1938. At the urging of veterans' organizations it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954, to honour all veterans, living and dead. Unlike Memorial Day, which honours those who died in service, it honours everyone who served; a two-minute silence is recommended at 2:11 pm Eastern time.