The American Association of Retired Republicans Salutes America's Veterans on Veterans Day

A Day of Thanks for Those Who Served

Today is Veterans Day, and the American Association of Retired Republicans salutes every American who has served in the United States armed forces. To every man and woman who has worn the uniform, in war and in peace, we thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you and your families made. Veterans Day honors the living veterans among us as well as those who have died. Today the nation marks the day with parades and observances across the country, led by the national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and tributes at the war memorials in Washington, D.C.

From the Armistice to Veterans Day

The day's roots reach back to World War I, known at the time as the Great War. Fighting stopped when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of the war, even though the Treaty of Versailles that officially ended it was not signed until June 28, 1919.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, writing that “the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service.” The original idea was a day of parades and public meetings, with a brief pause in business beginning at 11 a.m.

Congress recognized the end of the war in a resolution on June 4, 1926, when 27 states had already made November 11 a legal holiday. An act approved May 13, 1938, made November 11 a legal holiday every year, known as Armistice Day and set aside mainly to honor veterans of World War I.

A New Name to Honor Every Veteran

In 1954, after World War II and the fighting in Korea, Congress acted at the urging of veterans service organizations and replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veterans.” With the approval of that law on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. On October 8 of that year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation, which said that “all Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

A 1968 law moved the holiday to a Monday, and the first Veterans Day under it, on October 25, 1971, was observed with much confusion. President Gerald R. Ford signed a law in 1975 returning Veterans Day to November 11 beginning in 1978, and it is now observed on that date no matter which day of the week it falls on.

Who America's Veterans Are Today

The U.S. Census Bureau reported on November 4 that there were 15.7 million military veterans in the United States in 2025, or 5.9% of the civilian population age 18 and older. The figures come from the bureau's 2025 American Community Survey, which also shows when veterans served:

• Post-9/11 period, September 2001 to the present: 31.4%
• Vietnam War: 30.9%
• Persian Gulf War: 25.6%
• Korean War: 2.3%
• World War II: 0.3%

In 2025, 30.5% of veterans were 75 or older, while just 8.4% were younger than 35.

The National Ceremony at Arlington

The 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance begins at 11 a.m. today in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. It is free and open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The United States Coast Guard Band and the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants perform a musical prelude at 10:30 a.m. The program includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, conducted by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, and the national observance inside the amphitheater, with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries.

One thing is different this year. Attendance at the wreath-laying at the Tomb is limited to official participants, while in past years members of the public could gather to watch it.

Free parking is available at the cemetery's Welcome Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone attending must pass through a security checkpoint and ride the tram from the Welcome Center to the amphitheater, because walking there is not allowed. Umbrellas, large bags, coolers and hard water bottles are among the banned items, though clear disposable plastic water bottles are permitted. Family pass holders visiting loved ones may enter through the main entrance on Memorial Avenue but should expect delays. Those who cannot attend can watch the Arlington ceremony live online.

Ceremonies at the Memorials in Washington

None of today's tributes at the memorials in the nation's capital charges an entry fee, though some ask people to register in advance. Visitors are advised to arrive at least a half-hour early to most events.

• National World War II Memorial, 10 a.m.: wreaths are presented in honor of World War II veterans, and several World War II veterans in attendance will be recognized as special guests.
• African American Civil War Memorial, 10 a.m.: the African American Civil War Museum, which honors the U.S. Colored Troops who fought in the Civil War, holds its annual reading of names.
• National World War I Memorial, 11 a.m.: the Bells of Peace ceremony includes the tolling of the National World War I brass bell and buglers playing taps.
• Korean War Veterans Memorial, 11 a.m.: a wreath-laying takes place at the memorial.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1 p.m.: a ceremony is held at The Wall, and it will be livestreamed online.

The Doughboy Foundation explains that “Bells of Peace commemorates the end of World War I and honors the 4.7 million Americans who donned the uniform and the 116,516 who lost their lives in that conflict.”

Ways to Honor a Veteran This Week

Beyond the capital, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee selected 48 regional sites in 24 states as official partners to hold Veterans Day observances this year. You can check the VA events calendar for ceremonies and parades near you.

A few simple acts can mean a great deal:

• Thank a veteran in person, whether a neighbor, a church member or a relative, and ask about their service.
• Fly the American flag at home, and review the VA's guide to honoring the flag.
• Visit a local or national memorial with a veteran in your family.

If you know a veteran who is struggling, the Veterans Crisis Line is open around the clock by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255. A phone call, a visit or a handshake this week is a simple way to show a veteran that the country remembers.

* The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.