On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. Find out more
Veterans Day History
Veterans Day by the Numbers
Learn the facts and figures behind the many contributions of America's armed forces throughout the country's history.
Veterans Day History
Veterans' Stories
Veterans Day
Do you know why Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th every year? Watch
Combat Camerman
A son learns about the trials of war through the films his father shot in Vietnam. Watch
Jimmie Kayana's Story
The son of Japanese immigrants, Army Medic Jimmie Kanaya joined the U.S. Army in 1941. Watch
Women in the Cockpit
Dawn Letson shares her films from WASP training camp. Watch
Leap of Faith
A World War II veteran shares the story of the harrowing six months he spent in German prison camps and his return to the U.S. WatchIt's Never Too Late to Thank a Vet American citizens send a special message to their loved ones for their military service.
America's Armed Forces: Find Out More
U.S. Special Ops
They’re perhaps best known for going after prominent enemy targets like Osama bin Laden. Read More
U.S. Armed Forces: 9 Fast Facts
Get the facts on what’s become the world’s most powerful fighting force. Read More
The U.S. Marine Corps
The Marines’ first battle took place in the Bahamas. Read More
U.S. Navy: 7 Surprising Facts
The Navy was outnumbered about 40 to 1 in the War of 1812. Read More
Why are soldiers called GIs?
The origins of this popular nickname are somewhat murky. Read More
10 Famous Korean War Vets
Meet 10 notables—from astronauts to actors—who served in the conflict. Read More
Medal of Honor: 6 Surprising Facts
Theodore Roosevelt is the only U.S. president to have received the Medal of Honor. Read More