Veterans Day 2025

Veterans Day is on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 this year. 
Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, whether in wartime or peacetime. 
History and meaning: 
Origins: The holiday traces back to Armistice Day, first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. 
Renaming: After World War II and the Korean War, veteran service organizations lobbied to change the holiday to include all veterans. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation that officially changed the name to Veterans Day. 
Not "Veteran's Day": The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that there is no apostrophe in Veterans Day because it is a day for all veterans, not a day belonging to a single veteran. 
How to observe Veterans Day: 
National Ceremony: The official national ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 
Regional and local events: Many communities host parades and other events on or around November 11. In Hannibal, the annual Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. Madison C-3 Veterans Day Assembly is November 11 with breakfast at 8am and assembly at 9:15am. Paris R-II Veterans Day Assembly is November 11 from 9am-10am in the Highschool Gym. All Veterans and family members are welcome. Mark Twain High School assembly is on November 11 at 1pm. 
Express gratitude: A simple and meaningful way to observe the day is to thank a veteran for their service. You can also listen to their stories, donate to a veterans' organization, or volunteer. 
Visiting national parks: The National Park Service offers free entry to all parks on Veterans Day.