Gratitude is powerful when spoken out loud. That’s why we say Happy Veterans Day, honoring the veterans who carried responsibilities most of us can only imagine.
Observed every November 11, Veterans Day is a national reminder to reflect on courage, service, and sacrifice. It’s a time to step out of daily routines and remember that our freedoms were safeguarded by those who chose duty over comfort.
And that’s why this day is different. It’s a day to look veterans in the eye, say the words, and mean them. This year’s Veterans Day, let’s go beyond the “Thank you.” Let’s ask, what can I do?
Read the article to discover creative, meaningful ways to celebrate this Veterans Day 2025 and also learn how to create online trivia forms with a form builder to make your celebration more engaging and impactful.
The true meaning behind Veterans Day
Every year, on November 11, America pauses to remember. Schools hold assemblies, towns line their streets with flags, and people take a moment to express their gratitude for your service. Veterans Day began as a reminder of peace: the day World War I ended. Over time, it evolved into something larger, something deeply human: a way to honor those who’ve stood where most wouldn’t. Veterans carry stories of courage and endurance that don’t fit neatly into parades or hashtags. They’ve missed first steps, last words, entire birthdays.
But the real heart of Veterans Day isn’t only in remembering that sacrifice, it’s in community. It’s about showing up and listening when a veteran shares their story—donating time or resources to organizations that support them. Offering a job opportunity, a warm meal, or even a genuine conversation without pretense.
Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off; neither should our recognition of it. Veterans Day is a reminder that a single act of heroism doesn’t maintain freedom, but by an ongoing chain of people willing to serve and a nation willing to care for them afterward.
Here’s a quick rundown of how Veterans Day came to be:
- 1918 – The Armistice: World War I ended on November 11, 1918, when Allied nations and Germany signed a peace agreement at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
- 1919 – Armistice Day proclaimed: U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as Armistice Day, honoring those who served in “the war to end all wars.”
- 1938 – Made a legal holiday: Congress officially recognized Armistice Day as a federal holiday dedicated to peace and World War I veterans.
- 1954 – Becomes Veterans Day: After World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans, not just those from WWI.
- 1968 – Uniform Holiday Bill: Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday of October to create a long weekend, but the change faced public backlash.
- 1975 – Restored to November 11: President Gerald Ford returned the holiday to its original date to preserve its historical significance.
Make it a Happy Veterans Day: 10 exciting ways to celebrate in your workplace
1. Turn the day into a space for listening
Skip the polished speeches. Invite veterans to share what service meant to them, not through formal presentations, but in a circle-style talk or fireside chat. Keep it small, intimate, and optional. People connect more deeply when it feels like a conversation, not a company event.
2. Support something real, not symbolic
Instead of themed cupcakes and posters, pick one local veteran organization and commit to it. That might mean hosting a company-wide donation drive, sponsoring housing repairs for veterans, or partnering long-term with a workforce reentry program. One genuine act beats a dozen photo ops.
3. Tell their stories respectfully
Create an internal or public storytelling project. Feature veterans in your company (with their consent) and collect their stories using a simple form built with a form builder. You can have them submit short written reflections, answer guided questions, or upload videos. Then, share their stories through short videos, blog posts, or podcast episodes. Focusing on their experiences as people, not just their uniforms, educates others and gives real meaning to the day.
4. Express gratitude with a Veterans Day message
Have each team write personal thank-you letters to local veterans or troops overseas. You can mail them through Operation Gratitude. Gratitude that’s written, not just spoken, has a way of lasting longer.
5. Use company skills to give back
If your workplace has professional expertise in marketing, design, finance, or tech, offer pro bono services to a veteran-owned business or nonprofit. Helping them grow or modernize their operations can have a real impact.
6. Host a shared meal, not a ceremony
Food brings people together in a way speeches never can. Host a lunch where veterans and non-veterans sit together, share stories, and connect as equals. Make it feel communal, not corporate.
7. Offer a “Day of service” option
Give employees a few hours off to volunteer with veteran organizations helping out at shelters, delivering meals, or assisting with community cleanups. If possible, make it paid volunteer time. Participation becomes a form of respect.
8. Celebrate the families too
Veterans’ families serve in their own way through sacrifice, worry, and resilience. Recognize them as part of the story. You can host a small appreciation event, offer gift baskets, or even highlight their experiences alongside veterans.
9. Build ongoing support, not a once-a-year event
Create internal initiatives that last like mentorship programs that connect veterans to leadership roles, mental health support tailored for those transitioning from service, or hiring commitments for veteran candidates. Veterans Day can be the spark, but continuity is what matters.
10. End with reflection, not applause
After your events, gather the team for a moment of silence or a reflection circle. Ask: What did we learn today? What can we keep doing beyond this day? That small pause ensures the meaning doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. You can also share a feedback form with employees to gather their insights, suggestions, and highlights from the day.
Veterans Day trivia: How well do your workers know the day of honor?
This Veterans Day 2025, bring your team together for a light but meaningful challenge. This trivia round mixes history, fun facts, and cultural insights, helping everyone connect with the why behind Veterans Day.
- When is Veterans Day observed each year?
Answer: November 11 - What was Veterans Day originally called?
Answer: Armistice Day - Which war’s end inspired the creation of Veterans Day?
Answer: World War I - In what year was the first Armistice Day celebrated?
Answer: 1919 - Which U.S. president officially changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day?
Answer: President Dwight D. Eisenhower - What year was Armistice Day renamed Veterans Day?
Answer: 1954 - What does the word “armistice” mean?
Answer: An agreement to stop fighting or a truce - What time did World War I officially end?
Answer: The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.) - How many U.S. military branches are there?
Answer: Six (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force) - Which city hosts America’s largest Veterans Day parade?
Answer: New York City - Where is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located?
Answer: Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia - Which war resulted in the creation of the Veterans Administration (now the Department of Veterans Affairs)?
Answer: World War I - Which battlefield-inspired tradition influenced how Americans remember fallen soldiers on Veterans Day?
Answer: The wearing of poppies, inspired by the battlefields of Flanders in World War I. - What flower is often worn to honor veterans?
Answer: The red poppy - Who wrote the famous World War I poem “In Flanders Fields”?
Answer: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae - What is the main difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Answer: Memorial Day honors those who died in service; Veterans Day honors all who served. - Which country celebrates Remembrance Day instead of Veterans Day?
Answer: The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia (and several Commonwealth nations) - What symbol is traditionally used to commemorate veterans worldwide?
Answer: The poppy flower - Which federal department supports U.S. veterans?
Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - What year did World War II end?
Answer: 1945 - How many U.S. veterans are there today (approximately)?
Answer: Around 15.8 million - Which war had the highest number of U.S. veterans still living today?
Answer: The Vietnam War - What is the motto of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Answer: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle.” - What’s the oldest branch of the U.S. military?
Answer: The U.S. Army - What year was the U.S. Army founded?
Answer: 1775 - What is the newest branch of the U.S. military?
Answer: The U.S. Space Force - Who signs the Veterans Day proclamation each year?
Answer: The President of the United States - What national cemetery is known for hosting Veterans Day ceremonies?
Answer: Arlington National Cemetery - What year did the U.S. first make Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Answer: 1938 - What’s another name for Armistice Day used internationally?
Answer: Remembrance Day - What famous song became an anthem for soldiers during World War I?
Answer: “Over There” - What holiday does Canada celebrate on November 11?
Answer: Remembrance Day - What city hosted the first Veterans Day parade?
Answer: Birmingham, Alabama - What major conflict was the first after Veterans Day became a holiday?
Answer: The Korean War - How many American service members died in World War I?
Answer: About 116,516 - What was the name of the World War II draft?
Answer: The Selective Training and Service Act - Which U.S. president served as a five-star general during World War II?
Answer: Dwight D. Eisenhower - What is the main purpose of Veterans Day?
Answer: To honor all U.S. military veterans for their service - When did the U.S. first try moving Veterans Day to a Monday to create a long weekend?
Answer: 1971 - Why was Veterans Day moved back to November 11?
Answer: People wanted to preserve the historic significance of the date - Which war was sometimes called “The Great War”?
Answer: World War I - What organization provides medical care for veterans?
Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals - Which U.S. president first declared November 11 as Armistice Day?
Answer: Woodrow Wilson - How many veterans are buried in Arlington National Cemetery?
Answer: Over 430,000 - What war did the “Greatest Generation” fight in?
Answer: World War II - What is Veterans Day called in France?
Answer: Armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale - What’s one way schools often celebrate Veterans Day?
Answer: Holding assemblies or inviting veterans to speak - What’s one common business gesture on Veterans Day?
Answer: Offering discounts or free meals to veterans - How long has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier been guarded continuously?
Answer: Since 1937 - What’s the official song of the U.S. Army?
Answer: “The Army Goes Rolling Along” - What’s the official song of the U.S. Navy?
Answer: “Anchors Aweigh” - What’s the official song of the U.S. Marine Corps?
Answer: “The Marines’ Hymn” - What’s the official song of the U.S. Air Force?
Answer: “Off We Go into the Wild Blue Yonder” - What’s the official song of the U.S. Coast Guard?
Answer: “Semper Paratus” - What’s the official motto of the U.S. Marine Corps?
Answer: “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) - What’s the official motto of the U.S. Coast Guard?
Answer: “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready) - What’s the official motto of the U.S. Air Force?
Answer: “Aim High… Fly-Fight-Win” - What’s the official motto of the U.S. Navy?
Answer: “Honor, Courage, Commitment” - What medal is awarded to those wounded or killed in combat?
Answer: The Purple Heart - What medal is the highest U.S. military honor?
Answer: The Medal of Honor - What U.S. department oversees national cemeteries for veterans?
Answer: The Department of Veterans Affairs - What’s one way to thank veterans beyond words?
Answer: Volunteer at a local VA hospital or donate to veteran support organizations - What popular charity helps build homes for injured veterans?
Answer: Homes for Our Troops - What’s the purpose of the GI Bill?
Answer: To help veterans pay for education, housing, and training - What year was the GI Bill enacted?
Answer: 1944 - What type of flag is placed on graves during Veterans Day ceremonies?
Answer: The American flag - What is the national anthem of the United States?
Answer: “The Star-Spangled Banner” - What phrase is often used to honor veterans for their service?
Answer: “Thank you for your service” - What state is home to the largest veteran population?
Answer: California - What color ribbon is often worn to support veterans?
Answer: Red, white, and blue - What time of day is traditionally observed with a moment of silence on Veterans Day?
Answer: 11:00 a.m.
Create an engaging Veterans Day trivia online with a form creator
If you’re planning to turn your Veterans Day trivia questions into an interactive online experience, you can choose online form builders like TIGER FORM. The platform helps you to create a quiz in minutes, saving both time and effort.
Here are the steps to create one;
Step 1: Log in to TIGER FORM and choose a trivia form template
Start by opening TIGER FORM and heading to the form template library. You’ll find a range of ready-to-use quiz and trivia templates designed for interactive team activities. Select a layout that matches your Veterans Day theme, something clean, bold, and easy to navigate. Templates save time and give your trivia a professional finish right from the start.
Step 2: Use the AI form generator to build your trivia in seconds
Let the AI form builder do the heavy lifting if you don’t want to start from scratch. Type a short prompt like “Create a Veterans Day trivia quiz with 10 questions and multiple-choice answers.” The AI will automatically generate the structure, add sample questions, and suggest answer options. You can then tweak the content to include your own Veterans Day questions and facts.
Step 3: Add your custom trivia questions
Copy your curated trivia questions, paste them into the form. Use a mix of questions like multiple-choice, true or false, or fill-in-the-blank formats to keep things interesting. If you’re hosting this for employees, you can add a few workplace questions for a personal touch.
Step 4: Customize the look and feel
TIGER FORM lets you brand your quiz effortlessly. Add your company logo, change the background to a patriotic theme, and include Veterans Day images like flags or memorials. You can also customize the “Thank You” page with a short appreciation message for veterans on your team, a small but powerful gesture.
Step 5: Share your trivia form online
Once your quiz is ready, share it with your team or audience. Form generator gives you multiple options: email link, social media share, or QR code embed.
Step 6: Track participation and celebrate the winners
The analytics dashboard lets you see how many people participated, their scores, and even which questions tripped them up. Use that data to celebrate top scorers, share fun facts, and wrap up the quiz by reflecting on what the day represents: service, unity, and gratitude.
Celebrate, connect, and continue the tribute
Veterans day is a chance to honor the men and women who’ve stepped into uniform, carried responsibility on their shoulders, and defended freedoms most of us rarely stop to think about.
The day gives us a chance to reconnect with history, with one another, and with the values that hold a community together. It’s also a reminder of the resilience veterans carry long after service, the invisible battles, the quiet rebuilding, the strength that doesn’t always make headlines but matters deeply.
Celebrate this Veterans Day 2025 online by creating a simple interactive form with an online form software, share messages of gratitude, run fun polls, ask trivia or engage your team in meaningful activities to honor veterans from anywhere.
Happy Veterans Day!
FAQs
1. Why is it called Veterans Day?
It’s called Veterans Day because it honors all U.S. military veterans, men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, both in war and peace.
2. Is Veterans Day a U.S. holiday?
Yes. Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed every year on November 11.
3. What’s the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military, while Veterans Day celebrates all who have served, living or deceased.