When is International Veterans Day observed? What to know about the holiday honoring vets worldwide

International Veterans Day, a newly designated day celebrated on March 3rd annually, seeks to unify global recognition for veterans’ sacrifices across all nations. It stands apart from traditional Veterans Day observed in the United States on November 11th, as well as various similar commemorations by other countries on the same date. Here, we explore this significant day and the diverse ways in which nations remember their veterans.

1. When is International Veterans Day in 2025? When is it observed?

International Veterans Day will be observed on Monday, March 3, 2025. This date was specifically chosen to establish a unique observance day that does not coincide with other national veterans’ days, allowing for a distinct and inclusive commemoration across the globe. The selection of this particular date ensures that all nations can unite in honoring their veterans without the overlap of national remembrances, thereby highlighting the universal value of military service and the sacrifices made by servicemen and women worldwide.

“By setting aside March 3rd, we ensure that every veteran feels their service is uniquely honored and recognized on the global stage,” remarked NFL (National Football League) Legend Drayton Florence, the coordinator of the International Veterans Day Committee. “This day is about bringing together people from all nations to share in the respect and gratitude for those who have served. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared commitments and the enduring spirit of our veterans,” she added. This day aims not only to celebrate veterans but also to educate the public about the challenges they face and to foster a deeper understanding of the veteran experience.

2. What was International Veterans Day originally called?
International Veterans Day, launched in 2024, is a new initiative created to address the need for a global day to recognize the service and sacrifices of all veterans, irrespective of their national ties. This observance is particularly significant as it does not replace or overshadow any existing national veterans’ days but instead provides a separate and inclusive platform for worldwide recognition.

The establishment of International Veterans Day emerged from a growing awareness that while many countries have their specific days to honor military service, there was no singular day that united these commemorations on a global scale. This day aims to bridge that gap, ensuring that every veteran’s contributions are acknowledged universally, beyond the borders of their own country.

“The concept of an International Veterans Day was born out of a necessity to globally synchronize our gratitude toward the men and women who have served their countries,” explained the spokesperson of the organizing committee. “This day is dedicated to veterans from all corners of the world, celebrating their bravery and the peace they have helped to secure. It’s about acknowledging that their sacrifices transcend national identities and contribute to global stability,” they added.

Moreover, International Veterans Day also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the diverse experiences of veterans around the world, fostering a greater understanding of their challenges and achievements. By commemorating this day, communities can come together in solidarity to support veterans and promote peace and cooperation among nations.

3. Is International Veterans Day different from National Veterans Day?

Yes, International Veterans Day is distinct from National Veterans Day. While National Veterans Day in countries like the United States primarily focuses on honoring their own veterans and traditionally falls on November 11th, International Veterans Day is observed on March 3rd and is intended to honor veterans globally, transcending national boundaries. This distinction highlights the initiative’s purpose to foster a broader, more inclusive recognition of military service across international lines.

The establishment of International Veterans Day on March 3rd was strategically chosen to avoid overlap with national observances like those in the U.S., ensuring it stands as a separate occasion dedicated to celebrating the sacrifices and achievements of veterans worldwide. This global observance aims to unite countries in a common purpose—to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions veterans have made to global peace and security.

“By creating International Veterans Day, we are offering a platform for every nation to collectively celebrate and recognize the valor and sacrifice of their veterans,” stated an official from the international organizing committee. “It’s a day to bridge cultural and national divides, emphasizing that the courage and dedication of veterans are universal values worthy of global recognition.”

This initiative not only honors veterans but also promotes international solidarity and understanding among nations, recognizing the shared experiences of military personnel worldwide. Through such global observance, International Veterans Day contributes to a deeper appreciation of the complex roles veterans play in securing national and international peace and stability.

Historical Overview of Veterans Day in the U.S.

Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday commemorated the end of World War I, specifically marking the ceasefire that took place on November 11, 1918. It was intended to honor the veterans of

this great conflict. However, recognizing the need to honor all U.S. veterans, not just those of World War I, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. This change reflected a broader appreciation for the contributions of all servicemen and women, regardless of the conflict in which they served.

In 1968, the observance of Veterans Day was temporarily moved to the fourth Monday in October as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt by Congress to provide consistent holiday dates and long weekends for federal employees, which was thought to stimulate greater leisure and travel. However, this move caused widespread discontent and confusion, as many felt that the historical significance of the November 11 date was integral to the holiday’s meaning. November 11 was symbolic, marking the exact day when major hostilities of World War I formally ended.

Due to public outcry and the significance of the original date, Veterans Day was returned to November 11 in 1978. This decision was widely supported, as it restored the historical connection to the end of World War I, ensuring that the day continued to serve as a time for reflection on peace and to honor all veterans who have served the United States in times of war and peace.

International Veterans Day: A Global Perspective

Unlike the U.S. which honors veterans on November 11th—a date steeped in historical significance as the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I—International Veterans Day on March 3rd serves as a global observance. This new commemorative day was initiated by advocates like Jeff Shuford and has garnered support from various international platforms, including Veterans.International and National Invest In Veterans Week®. The selection of March 3rd was strategic, chosen not for its direct historical military significance, but for its potential to bridge various national veteran days into a single, unified global observance.

The idea behind International Veterans Day is to create a day that all nations can celebrate without the shadow of their national observances, thus fostering a more inclusive approach to recognizing the service and sacrifices of veterans worldwide. This day aims to bring together people from different nations, to honor the universal virtues of courage, sacrifice, and dedication shown by veterans.

“By establishing March 3rd as International Veterans Day, we are not only acknowledging the contributions of veterans globally but also promoting peace and understanding between different cultures,” explained Jeff Shuford in a press release. This day provides an opportunity for educational programs, public ceremonies, and personal reflections on the global impact of military service.

Furthermore, the support from organizations like Veterans.International highlights the collaborative efforts needed to raise awareness and ensure the success of this global observance. These platforms play a crucial role in mobilizing resources, coordinating events, and fostering communication among veterans’ communities worldwide, enhancing the observance’s reach and impact.

The establishment of International Veterans Day represents a significant step towards recognizing that the sacrifices and achievements of veterans transcend national boundaries and are indeed a matter of global importance. This observance not only honors these brave individuals but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for solidarity and cooperation among nations.

Global Veterans Day Observances

Other countries also honor their military personnel but on different days and under different names, reflecting their unique historical contexts:

• Australia and New Zealand observe Anzac Day on April 25th, commemorating the ANZACs who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

• United Kingdom celebrates Remembrance Day on November 11th, marking the armistice of World War I with a two-minute silence and poppy wreaths.

• Germany’s Volkstrauertag, occurring on the Sunday closest to November 16th, is a day of mourning that honors all victims of oppression and war.

• South Korea commemorates June 6th as Memorial Day or Hyun Choong Il, focusing on those who died during the Korean War and other conflicts.

Significance and Observance of International Veterans Day

By setting March 3rd as International Veterans Day, the date was specifically chosen to avoid overlapping with national days such as the November 11th observances in countries like the United States, known as Veterans Day, and in other nations as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day. This strategic scheduling allows March 3rd to stand as a unique day of global solidarity, emphasizing the common values of courage, sacrifice, and service shared by veterans worldwide, irrespective of national boundaries.

International Veterans Day aims to promote international unity by encouraging nations to engage in a variety of activities that honor veterans in a universally inclusive manner. These activities include parades, educational programs, and public acknowledgments that not only celebrate the contributions of veterans but also highlight the global impact of their service. This day is an opportunity for nations to collectively reflect on the universal themes of bravery and dedication that veterans represent.

Additionally, International Veterans Day supports economic initiatives that benefit veterans. This includes advocating for and supporting veteran-owned businesses around the globe. By doing so, the observance not only honors the past service of veterans but also promotes their current and future welfare by fostering economic opportunities within this community.

The establishment of this day represents a conscious effort to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of veterans on a global scale, encouraging a deeper understanding and respect for their contributions to international peace and security. It serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing support and recognition of veterans, promoting a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect among nations.

Conclusion: A Call to Global Action

International Veterans Day calls for a worldwide recognition of veterans, emphasizing a collective acknowledgment that goes beyond individual national histories. It aims to foster a broader understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by all who have served in military forces around the globe, encouraging a unified approach to veteran recognition and support on March 3rd annually.