Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed annually on November 11. It is a day to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans, including those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, and was first observed on November 11, 1919 to mark the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1954, Armistice Day was officially renamed to Veterans Day to honor all military veterans, not just those who served in World War I. On Veterans Day, many people display the American flag and participate in ceremonies and parades to honor and recognize the contributions of military veterans.