Veterans Day is observed in the United States and several territories, including American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico, every November 11. This federal holiday honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday originated in 1919 as Armistice Day, proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, and to remember those who died in service. In 1954, Congress expanded the observance to honor all veterans, renaming it Veterans Day. As a federal holiday, most government offices are closed, and it is a paid holiday for federal workers, with many students and employees also having the day off. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died while serving in the military.