Nothing matches that yet. Try a word like “states”, “Disney” or “hard”.
This Veterans Day quiz covers the story behind the holiday that honors everyone who has served in the US armed forces. You'll find questions on how it began, the laws and leaders that shaped it, the symbols people wear, and a few traditions that started in surprising places. It's a respectful, interesting way to learn more before the holiday, and a good conversation starter for family and friends.
Veterans Day is built around people rather than a single battle or event. It thanks the living men and women who have worn the uniform, in peacetime as well as war, and the way Americans mark it has grown over the decades. Parades fill main streets, schools hold assemblies, and many businesses offer veterans a free meal or a discount as a small thank-you.
The most solemn observance happens at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where a national ceremony includes a wreath laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That tomb has been guarded around the clock since July 2, 1937, through blizzards and hurricanes alike. Since 1948 the sentinels have come from the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard. Each one marches 21 steps, turns and pauses for 21 seconds, a pattern that echoes the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor.
When you take the quiz, look for clues in the history of the holiday's name, the laws Congress passed and the people who pushed for change. It's a topic worth knowing well, and a fine excuse to thank a veteran in your own life, whether that's a grandparent, a neighbor or a coworker who once served.
On what date is Veterans Day observed in the United States each year?
Answer: November 11
It keeps its fixed date whatever the weekday; when it lands on a weekend, federal workers get the nearest weekday off.
Before 1954, the US holiday now called Veterans Day was known by what name?
Answer: Armistice Day
Congress made it a legal federal holiday in 1938, dedicated to the cause of world peace.
The US Veterans Day holiday grew out of a commemoration of the end of fighting in which war?
Answer: World War I
The ceasefire took effect in 1918, about seven and a half months before the Treaty of Versailles was signed.
Which US holiday specifically honors military members who died in service, while Veterans Day honors everyone who served?
Answer: Memorial Day
It falls on the last Monday in May and is often mixed up with Veterans Day.
Which US president signed the 1954 law that renamed the holiday Veterans Day?
Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower
He had commanded the Allied forces in Europe during World War II before entering the White House.
Inspired by the 1915 poem "In Flanders Fields," which red flower became a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers?
Answer: Poppy
Canadian army doctor John McCrae wrote it after losing a friend in fighting near Ypres, Belgium.
Established in December 2019, what is the newest branch of the US armed forces?
Answer: Space Force
It was the first new branch since the Air Force split from the Army in 1947.
Which branch of the US military celebrates its birthday every year on November 10?
Answer: Marine Corps
The Continental Congress authorized two battalions of these sea-going soldiers on that date in 1775.
From 1971 to 1977, US Veterans Day was moved to a Monday in which month?
Answer: October
A 1968 law moved several holidays to Mondays, but public pushback restored the original date starting in 1978.
In 1947, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks organized an early celebration honoring all US veterans in which city?
Answer: Birmingham, Alabama
President Ronald Reagan awarded Weeks the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1982 for championing the holiday.
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