Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11—the day the armistice ending World War I was signed—every year, regardless of what day it falls on. Veterans Day falls on a Monday this year, meaning that federal employees will observe the federal holiday that day, and many non-essential government services will be closed.

At the time, Nov. 11, 1918, was regarded as the end of " the war to end all wars ." According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), former President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day for the first time in 1919 by saying: To us in America,

It is a day to remember, honor, and acknowledge the service, sacrifices, and contributions of the millions of veterans in our country but also active duty. While this year, the holiday falls on a Monday creating a long weekend, the date November 11th is the significance behind Veterans Day.