At UMass, we honor all those who served this country and are forever grateful for their sacrifice.

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day takes place annually on November 11th as a way to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day, which was formerly known as Armistice Day, originally celebrated the end of the first World War on November 11, 1918. Through an act of Congress in 1938, "Armistice Day" was recognized as a legal holiday. In 1954, Congress amended the bill, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day ever since.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day. Veterans Day is a day to honor all of America's veterans, living or dead, for their sacrifices, commitment to preserving freedom in the United States and service to the common good. Although both days honor veterans and their sacrifices, Memorial Day specifically honors service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries during their time serving.

How is Veterans Day celebrated?

The original concept for the celebration of Veterans Day included parades, public meetings, and brief suspension of business. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday the previous Friday or following Monday with government offices closing on those days.

An official wreath-laying ceremony is held annually at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery as a tradition to honor the lives sacrificed and lost.

Ways to Honor Veterans

  • Get involved with local organizations
  • Support veteran-owned businesses
  • Thank a veteran for their service
  • Attend a Veterans Day event
    • Annual ceremony at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam on Thursday, November 11th at 1:00 PM on the cemetery grounds at 1390 Main St.
    • Visit the annual Operation Flags for Vets display at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Earlier this week, volunteers set up 80,000 flags at gravesites throughout the cemetery to honor the veterans who are no longer with us. You can still volunteer to help Operation Flags for Vets close out the project on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 10:00 AM.
    • For information on events near you, we recommend looking up your local community's website and social media pages.