You’re probably here because you woke up, saw a weirdly quiet street, or noticed your bank app is acting funky, and now you’re wondering: is today Veterans Day? It happens every year. Honestly, the confusion makes sense. Between "observed" holidays, the way we swap Mondays for actual dates, and the fact that it sits right next to Thanksgiving, it’s easy to lose track.
No. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Veterans Day is not today. In the United States, Veterans Day is tied to a very specific, immovable date: November 11. It doesn't matter if that's a Tuesday, a Sunday, or a Friday; the "official" day is always the 11th. However, because of how the federal government handles weekends, you might see offices closed on a Monday or Friday nearby. That's usually where the "is it today?" panic starts.
The 11th Hour of the 11th Day
We don't just pick November 11 because it's a nice late-autumn vibe. It’s historical. Specifically, it marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in World War I. Most people remember the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" from history class. That was 1918.
Back then, it wasn't even called Veterans Day. It was Armistice Day.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first one in 1919. It was meant to be a day of reflection, filled with parades and a brief pause in business at 11:00 a.m. But things changed after World War II and the Korean War. A WWII veteran named Raymond Weeks had this idea: why only honor the guys from the "Great War"? He lobbied to expand it to all veterans.
By 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law that officially struck out the word "Armistice" and put in "Veterans."
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The Short-Lived Monday Mess
Believe it or not, there was a brief, chaotic period where is today Veterans Day would have been a much harder question to answer. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill. They wanted to give federal employees more three-day weekends. Who doesn't love a Monday off?
So, they moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October.
It was a disaster.
The first "October Veterans Day" happened in 1971, and people hated it. Veterans groups, state legislatures, and the general public felt the historical significance of November 11 was being trashed for the sake of a long weekend. Most states just ignored the federal law and kept celebrating in November anyway. Eventually, President Gerald Ford gave in and signed a law in 1975 to move it back to November 11, starting in 1978. We haven't moved it since.
How to Tell if it’s a Federal "Observed" Day
Even though the holiday is November 11, the "legal" holiday—the day the post office closes—can shift. This is the main reason people google is today Veterans Day when they see a closed bank.
- If November 11 falls on a Saturday, the federal government usually observes it on the preceding Friday.
- If November 11 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday.
In 2026, November 11 falls on a Wednesday. Since it's mid-week, there won't be any "observed" date shifting. The holiday and the calendar date are one and the same this year. If you're looking for a day off in the middle of the week, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is your winner.
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Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: The Most Common Mistake
I see this constantly. People post "Happy Veterans Day" on Memorial Day, or they thank a living veteran for their service on the wrong day. It's a bit of a social faux pas, but it happens.
Basically, Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) is for those who died while serving in the military. It’s a somber day of mourning.
Veterans Day is for the living.
It’s a celebration of everyone who has ever worn the uniform—active duty, reserve, or retired. It’s the day you buy your grandfather a coffee or text your friend who served in the Navy. While we still honor the fallen, the primary "vibe" of Veterans Day is gratitude toward those still with us.
What Stays Open and What Actually Closes?
Since it’s a federal holiday, the big stuff shuts down.
- The U.S. Postal Service: No mail delivery. Period.
- Federal Courts and Offices: If you have a court date or need to visit the Social Security office, don't show up on Nov 11.
- Banks: Most follow the Federal Reserve schedule. If you need a cashier's check, get it the day before.
- Public Schools: This is a toss-up. Some districts take the day off to honor veterans; others stay open but hold assemblies. Check your local district calendar because there is no national rule for schools.
Retailers? They stay open. In fact, they lean into it. This is the day of the "Veterans Day Sale." You’ll see everything from mattresses to car tires discounted. More importantly, many restaurants offer free meals to vets.
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If you are a veteran, places like Applebee's, Chili's, and Starbucks have historically offered freebies. Usually, you just need a military ID or a DD214. It’s a small gesture, sure, but it’s a busy day for the service industry.
Why We Still Care About the Date
It’s easy to get cynical about holidays becoming "sale days," but Veterans Day still carries weight. According to the Pew Research Center, only about 6% of U.S. adults are veterans today. That’s a huge drop from the 1980s when it was closer to 18%.
Because fewer people serve, the gap between the military and civilian worlds can feel pretty wide. Having a specific day—the 11th—forces a bit of a conversation. It’s a moment to acknowledge that while most of us are arguing on the internet or worrying about our 9-to-5s, there’s a small group of people who signed a contract that basically said "my life belongs to the state if it comes down to it."
Preparing for the Real Veterans Day
Since you now know the answer to is today Veterans Day is a solid "no," you have time to prepare for when it actually arrives. If you want to do more than just post a flag emoji on Instagram, here are a few things that actually matter to the veteran community:
- Volunteer with a VSO: Organizations like the Team Red, White & Blue or The Mission Continues help vets transition back to civilian life through physical activity and community service.
- Support the VA: The Department of Veterans Affairs is always under fire, but local VA hospitals often need volunteers to help navigate patients or simply spend time with older vets who don't have family nearby.
- Check on your friends: For some, the holiday is a reminder of friends they lost or "moral injury" they carry. A simple "thinking of you" text goes further than a "thank you for your service" shouted at a stranger.
Actionable Steps for the 11th
When November 11 eventually rolls around, keep these logistics in mind:
- Verify the Date: In 2026, it's a Wednesday. Plan your banking and mail accordingly.
- Military ID: If you are a veteran, keep your ID or a digital copy of your discharge papers handy. Most businesses require proof for those free meals or discounts.
- National Parks: Many National Parks offer free entrance to everyone on Veterans Day. It’s a great way to spend the day if the weather holds up.
- Flags: If you fly a flag at home, remember it should be flown at full staff on Veterans Day. Unlike Memorial Day, where it starts at half-staff, this is a day of celebration.
Understanding the timing of these holidays helps avoid the "why is my paycheck late?" stress that usually triggers the is today Veterans Day search. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 11, and use the time between now and then to think about how you'll actually mark the occasion.