What is Veterans Day? It’s a time to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Observed each year on November 11, it is a day to recognize their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than themselves.

What Is Veterans Day?

This annual holiday honors the Americans who answered the call to serve… at home, overseas, in wartime, and in peace. It is a day to thank living veterans not just for wearing the uniform, but for the sacrifices and challenges that can follow them home.

For combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients, November 11 can carry a deeper weight. A parade or a “thank you” matters, but so does recognizing the person behind the service: their experiences, their wounds, their families, and the life they have built after the military.

It is a day of gratitude, remembrance, and respect for everyone who has served.

The History of Veterans Day

November 11th originally began as Armistice Day, marking the end of fighting in World War I.

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—November 11, 1918—an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect. The phrase became a lasting symbol of the moment the fighting stopped and the world began to look toward peace.

One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. Originally, the day honored those who served in World War I and reflected on the hope for peace after such a devastating conflict.

In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a federal holiday. After World War II and the Korean War, the holiday expanded to honor veterans of all American wars. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming it Veterans Day.

Fun Fact: In 1968, Congress passed a law moving several federal holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends. Veterans Day was observed on the fourth Monday in October beginning in 1971, but because November 11 carried such deep historical significance, Congress restored the holiday to its original date in 1978.

Today, November 11 honors all U.S. veterans and their service to our country.

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Veterans Day and Memorial Day both honor members of the military, but they have different purposes.

Veterans Day recognizes all veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, with special emphasis on thanking living veterans for their service.

Memorial Day honors the service members who died while serving the country.

Both days deserve reflection. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank those who have served and to recognize that the effects of service can continue long after someone returns home.

Why Honoring Our Vets Matters

Military service can shape every part of a person’s life. While some veterans transition smoothly to civilian life, others face physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, survivor’s guilt, financial uncertainty, isolation, or the loss of the camaraderie they knew in uniform.

For Purple Heart recipients, these challenges may be tied to wounds sustained in combat and the recovery that follows. A medal recognizes sacrifice, but it cannot tell the full story of the person who wears it.

Honoring veterans means seeing more than a service record. It means recognizing their experiences, their families, and the strength it can take to move forward. Meaningful appreciation should extend well beyond one holiday with connection, respect, and support throughout the year.

Meaningful Ways to Honor Veterans in November

A genuine “thank you for your service” can mean a great deal, but showing that gratitude through action can make a longer-lasting impact.

Here are a few meaningful ways to show your appreciation:

• Support veteran-serving organizations. Turn your appreciation into action by volunteering your time, donating resources, or sharing your skills with organizations that serve veterans and their families.
• Support veteran-owned businesses. Choosing to shop with veteran-owned businesses is a great way to recognize the hard work veterans bring to their communities.
• Attend a local ceremony. Community events are a meaningful way to show public support and recognize the veterans in your area.
• Stay connected beyond November 11. Check in with the veterans in your life throughout the year, especially during difficult anniversaries, holidays, or periods of transition.

Learn more about what meaningful, long-term support looks like on our At the Bonfire Blog >

Honoring the People Behind the Service

At Warrior Bonfire, we know recognition alone isn’t enough.

Purple Heart recipients deserve opportunities to reconnect with people who understand the experiences they carry. Through small-group, activity-based retreats, the Warrior Bonfire Program brings Purple Heart veterans together to build relationships, rediscover purpose, and experience the healing power of connection.

This day is an important reminder to thank those who served. But the best way to honor our vets is to make sure they know they are not forgotten on any day of the year.

Pain shared is pain divided. Joy shared is joy multiplied.