Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day, a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.

In 1938 U.S. legislation dedicated November 11 as a day to celebrate the cause of world peace— hereafter celebrated as Armistice Day.

In 1954, after both WWII and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by substituting the word “veterans” for the word “Armistice.”

November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.

Another military holiday, Armed Forces Day, occurs in May to honor both those who served in the U.S. military in the past and those who are presently serving.