Veterans Day is a signifi cant American holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served with distinction in the U.S. military.

It is essential to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May and is dedicated to commemorating the military members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

The origins of Veterans Day can be traced back to November 11, 1919, when U.S. President Wood-row Wilson initially proclaimed it as Armistice Day. Th is day was specifically intended to honor the veterans of World War I, as the armistice that marked the war’s end occurred at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Th is devastating conflict claimed the lives of over 16 million individuals worldwide, including approximately 117,000 Americans.

The holiday was officially established as a national one in 1938. But it wasn’t until 1954, under the leadership of U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, that the name of the holiday was changed to Veterans Day. This change expanded the holiday’s purpose to pay tribute to all veterans who have served in the U.S. military.

Veterans Day is consistently observed on November 11 each year. However, if this date falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the holiday is officially observed on the closest Friday or Monday. Federal offices are closed in honor of the occasion, and there is no U.S. mail delivery on this significant day.

But in my opinion, we all should take every opportunity to thank a Veteran... Every day is Veterans Day!