Veterans Day is a major federal public holiday in the United States, observed annually on November 11. Originally established as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, it was later renamed to pay tribute to all military veterans who have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday brings distinct operational calendar updates across communities nationwide.
Veterans Day 2026, 2027 & 2028
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 11 | Wed | Veterans Day | All states; Federal workers |
| 2027 | November 11 | Thu | Veterans Day | All states; Federal workers |
| 2028 | November 10 | Fri | Veterans Day Holiday | All states; Federal workers |
| November 11 | Sat | Veterans Day | All states; Federal workers |
Upcoming Veterans Day Calendar Schedule
Unlike holidays that anchor to Mondays, Veterans Day stays tied to the fixed date of November 11. When it hits a weekend, specific tracking rules adjust the official paid day off:
- Veterans Day 2026: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Veterans Day 2027: Thursday, November 11, 2027
- Veterans Day 2028: Saturday, November 11, 2028 (Official federal holiday observed on Friday, November 10, 2028)
How is Veterans Day Celebrated in the United States?
U.S. communities pause on this day to honor living veterans with civic ceremonies, public gratitude, and local events.
Parades & Assemblies
Cities across America host grand Veterans Day parades featuring military marching bands, active service members, and veteran groups. High schools and civic centers coordinate special assemblies to thank local heroes.
Wreath-Laying Ceremonies
A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. At exactly 11:00 AM—commemorating the original WWI armistice hour—a solemn wreath-laying ceremony honors fallen troops.
Retail Discounts & Free Meals
To show gratitude, major restaurant chains, retail stores, and service businesses nationwide offer free meals, deep discounts, or specialized complimentary offers exclusively for military veterans and active personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If November 11 lands on a Saturday, federal standard policies shift the official employee day off to the preceding Friday. If it drops on a Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the observed day off.
No, because Veterans Day is an official Federal Reserve holiday, the corporate offices and retail branch locations of most standard banking institutions close their doors, though online banking remains operational.
Yes. The United States Postal Service recognizes Veterans Day as an official holiday, meaning post offices close and regular residential and business mail deliveries are paused.
View Holidays by US State
Select your state below to find complete public holiday schedules, school breaks, and official bank closure dates: