Veterans Day is a federal holiday specific to the United States, observed annually on November 11. European countries do not celebrate this particular holiday. Instead, many nations in Europe and the Commonwealth observe Armistice Day or Remembrance Day on the same date, commemorating the end of World War I.
The shared date of November 11 marks the anniversary of the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany in 1918, which ended hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. However, the focus of the commemorations differs. In Europe, Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day) primarily serves as a solemn occasion to honor the armed forces members who died in the line of duty, particularly the dead of the two World Wars. In contrast, the U.S. holiday was expanded in 1954 to honor all military veterans, including those who are living, for their service to the country.
Therefore, while the historical origin for the November 11 observance is the same, the terminology and intent are distinct. An individual in Europe on that date would find commemorations under the name "Remembrance Day" or "Armistice Day," which focus on memorializing the war dead, rather than an event called Veterans Day celebrating all who have served.
