November 11, 2026
ST. LOUIS — Across the country, Americans are observing Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, recognizing the service, sacrifice and dedication of men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.
For veterans and military families throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, the holiday is an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and appreciation. It is also a reminder that recognizing military service should extend beyond a single day.
How Veterans Day began
Veterans Day traces its roots to November 11, 1918, when an armistice ended fighting in World War I. The observance became known as Armistice Day and was established as a federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing its name to Veterans Day to honor Americans who served in all wars.
Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors military personnel who died while serving, Veterans Day recognizes all military veterans, living and deceased, for their service.
According to figures released November 4 by the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 15.7 million military veterans lived in the United States in 2025, representing 5.9% of the civilian population age 18 and older.
Veterans Day in St. Louis
St. Louis is marking the observance with a ceremony at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, 1315 Chestnut St. in downtown St. Louis. The commemoration of the 1918 armistice and Veterans Day is scheduled for 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the museum’s second-floor Jack C. Taylor Assembly Hall, according to La Société Française de St. Louis, which is participating in the observance.
The region also held its annual St. Louis Veterans Day parade Saturday, November 7, bringing an earlier public tribute to those who served.
Gratitude beyond November 11
Veterans Day also draws attention to the ongoing needs of former service members and their families, including access to health care, housing, employment opportunities and benefits earned through service.
Whether through a personal thank-you, community support or helping a veteran connect with available resources, residents have opportunities to show their appreciation throughout the year.
VOTP News STL extends its gratitude to veterans across Missouri, Illinois and the nation. Their service remains an important part of our communities and our history.
Featured photo: Local Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members participate in the St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Parade on November 9, 2024. U.S. Department of Defense photo by Iain Page, U.S. Transportation Command. Archival image.
