Air Force JROTC members march with a giant American Flag as they move along Liberty Street on Thursday during the annual Veterans Day Parade in Savannah.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is observed annually on Nov. 11. The day is dedicated to thanking and honoring all individuals who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

A federal holiday since 1954, Veterans Day was created by an act of Congress that changed the name to honor veterans of all wars. Before that, November 11 was established as a legal holiday in 1938, originally as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I.

Where is the largest celebration of Veterans Day?

New York City is home to the annual Veterans Day Parade, organized by the United War Veterans Council. This year, the parade will begin at 11 a.m. ET with more than 20,000 service members, 25 floats, and 280 marching units expected to walk up Fifth Avenue on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The 2025 parade will also mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. military by celebrating the birth of its three senior service branches: The Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

What's a federal holiday?

Federal holidays, also referred to as public holidays, are designated by Congress and recognized by the federal government.

It's essentially a scheduled (and paid) day off for non-essential employees of the U.S. federal government. Federal employees typically receive 11 public holiday days per calendar year, plus an additional day on the day of a new president's inauguration.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, meaning that U.S. banks, financial markets, schools, and some retailers will be closed.

How many federal holidays are left in 2025?

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, there are only two federal holidays left in 2025. See the calendar dates for the ones that are left below:

  • Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 27
  • Christmas Day: Thursday, Dec. 25

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? What to know about Nov. 11.

Reporting by Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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