Today is Veterans Day

November 11, 2025 – Today is Veterans Day. It is a state and federal holiday honoring the 41 million Americans who have served in our nation's armed forces from the Revolutionary War to the present both in times of peace and war.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, observed annually on November 11 to commemorates the end of World War I and honors the sacrifices of those who served in the armed forces. The armistice that silenced the guns on the Western Front (at that time the bloodiest war in global history) took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, marking a solemn moment of peace after years of devastating conflict. Armistice Day originally was dedicated to honoring the WWI veterans. After World War II the day has evolved in many countries-most notably in the United States, where it became Veterans Day in 1954-to recognize all who have served in military uniform.

This is a state and federal holiday so banks, courthouses, government offices, most schools, and some businesses will be closed today.

President Donald J. Trump released a statement commemorating Veterans Day:

"The story of America is written with the courage, honor, and dedicated service of our veterans," said President Trump. "Through their sacrifice, the fires of freedom burn brightly, our Republic secured, and our way of life made possible. For nearly 250 years, their unyielding spirit has carried our Nation through every trial and triumph, ensuring that liberty endures for all time. This Veterans Day, we show our gratitude and recommit to honor their service, uphold their legacy, and give every veteran the loyalty, respect, and support they have earned and so dearly deserve."

"From the moment our Nation's Founders raised the cause of independence, they recognized that freedom rests upon those willing to defend it," continued Trump. "During the midst of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress enacted the first national veterans' benefits law to care for wounded and disabled veterans. From that early act of foresight came a fundamental promise: a Nation devoted to liberty owes a debt to those who secured freedom for our people. Yet for too many decades, politicians have failed to provide the benefits earned by the best among us, leading to shameful outcomes on veteran healthcare, housing, and employment. Under my leadership, the Federal Government will no longer betray these heroes. During my first term, my Administration achieved historic reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and expanded choice in healthcare and economic opportunity for our veterans. I signed into law landmark legislation to increase accountability, remove those who failed our veterans, and deliver faster, high-quality care. Now, we are building off these successes by continuing to improve the VA. We have opened 16 new veteran health clinics throughout the country, made it easier for veterans to pass on their benefits to their survivors, and ended DEI and transgender policies so we can use taxpayer dollars on programs that help veterans in need. Just this year, we have already reduced the backlog of veterans waiting for VA benefits by more than 37 percent, after rising 24 percent during the previous administration - and we are just getting started."

The Alabama Gazette is dedicated to honoring the service of our nation's vets and remembering the sacrifice of all who lost their lives defending our freedoms.