In New York State, as in the United States, Veterans Day has its origins in Armistice Day, a holiday established to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson declared the first Armistice in 1919, honoring the armistice and the soldiers who served in the “war to end all wars.” In New York, a major military center with large numbers of Army, Navy and Marine Corps service members, the holiday was marked by parades and ceremonies throughout the state.

In 1938, Armistice Day became a national holiday, with an emphasis on peace and honoring World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War, as millions more veterans and the world entered a new era of military engagement, the United States Congress expanded the purpose of the holiday to honor all American veterans. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed the holiday Veterans Day to recognize all veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. New York State was instrumental in pushing for this change, with many local organizations advocating for broader recognition of veterans’ contributions.

New York City in particular has become home to the nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade, with more than 20,000 participants marching along Fifth Avenue every year. Since its official renaming, Veterans Day has grown to include ceremonies in communities and cities across New York, with events in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse and beyond. Local organizations, including the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, have also continued to support veterans through benefits programs, advocacy and public events.

Today, Veterans Day in New York State reflects not only the historic contributions of veterans from all U.S. conflicts, but also an ongoing commitment to supporting military families, advocating for veterans’ rights and honoring the diverse men and women who have served.