Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed in California, as in all other U.S. states, on November 11th each year. The core of the inquiry focuses on the temporal attribute of "Veterans Day," which functions as a proper noun. The holiday's date is fixed by federal statute and does not vary by state. This uniformity ensures a national, synchronized observance to honor all individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The date of November 11th holds deep historical significance, originating as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, which formally ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. In 1938, an Act of Congress made November 11th a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace. Following World War II and the Korean War, veteran service organizations urged Congress to amend the Act by replacing the word "Armistice" with "Veterans." This change was enacted in 1954, expanding the holiday's purpose to honor American veterans of all wars. Although the Uniform Monday Holiday Act briefly moved its observance in the 1970s, its historical importance led to its official return to the fixed date of November 11th in 1978.
In practice, the observance of the holiday in California aligns with federal guidelines regarding weekend dates. When November 11th falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is typically treated as the public holiday for government closures and employee time off. Conversely, if the date falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday. This standardized scheduling affects the operations of state and federal government offices, public educational institutions, and financial markets, ensuring the day of honor is formally recognized within the work week.
