Yes — November Is National Veterans and Military Families Month
Yes. November is officially recognized as National Veterans and Military Families Month in the United States. The president signs a proclamation each year designating the entire month of November to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Veterans Day, observed on November 11, falls within this month.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Observance | National Veterans and Military Families Month |
| Month | November (annually) |
| First Proclaimed | 2017 by President Donald Trump |
| Key Date | Veterans Day, November 11 |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| State Recognition | All 50 states issue proclamations |
| Key Campaign | Operation Green Light (November 4–11) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
Is November Officially Veterans Month?
November is officially designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. The observance was established in 2017 when President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognizing the entire month of November — not just Veterans Day — as a time to celebrate veterans and their families.
Before 2017, veterans were honored primarily on Veterans Day, November 11. The 2017 proclamation marked the first time the nation celebrated veterans and military families for an entire month. VA Secretary David Shulkin said at the time: “Our Veterans and Military Families are an important part of our lives throughout the year, and by focusing for the first time nationally on a whole month of activities nationwide for Veterans and Military Families Month, we can more fully celebrate and recognize their contributions to the nation”.
The observance continues annually. Each November, the sitting president signs a proclamation reaffirming the designation, and the VA coordinates events nationwide throughout the month.
Veterans Month vs. Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a single federal holiday observed on November 11 each year. Veterans Month is the entire month of November, during which Veterans Day falls. The two are related but distinct.
| Feature | Veterans Day | Veterans Month |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | One day | 30 days |
| Date | November 11 | All of November |
| Federal Holiday? | Yes | No |
| Presidential Proclamation? | Yes | Yes |
| Who Is Honored | All veterans | Veterans, service members, and military families |
| Key Activities | Ceremonies, parades, discounts | Month-long events, awareness campaigns, benefit drives |
Veterans Day is always November 11, regardless of the day of the week it falls on. Unlike other federal holidays that are observed on Mondays, Veterans Day retains its original date.
The History of Veterans Month
Veterans Month grew out of the long tradition of honoring veterans in November. The month-long observance was formally established in 2017, building on decades of Veterans Day commemorations.
Origins: Armistice Day
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVeterans Day began as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918 — “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day commemoration on November 11, 1919.
In 1926, Congress declared Armistice Day a national holiday. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of all wars, not just World War I.
Creation of Veterans Month
The concept of a full month dedicated to veterans emerged in the 2010s. In 2017, President Trump signed the first proclamation establishing November as National Veterans and Military Families Month. This expanded the observance beyond a single day to a month-long recognition of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
The 2017 proclamation was accompanied by a full calendar of VA events nationwide, including open houses at VA medical centers, suicide prevention events, homeless veteran initiatives, and the first National Veterans Stand Out Day on November 9.
Modern Observances
Today, Veterans Month includes a wide range of national and local activities:
Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Week — typically the first full week of November
National Veterans Small Business Week — recognizing veteran entrepreneurs
Operation Green Light — November 4–11, encouraging green light displays to honor veterans
Veterans Day — November 11
National Veterans Stand Out Day — veterans wear something meaningful denoting their service
How States Observe Veterans Month
All 50 states issue proclamations recognizing November as Veterans Month, Veterans Appreciation Month, or Veterans and Military Families Month. The exact name and scope vary by state.
| State | Proclamation Name | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Veterans Appreciation Month | Operation Green Light, Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Week |
| Florida | Veterans Appreciation Month | Nearly 1.4 million veterans; most military-friendly state |
| New York | Veterans Month | 17 state landmarks lit green for Operation Green Light |
| Texas | Veterans Month | HB 1894 designates November as Veterans Month effective September 1, 2025 |
| Montana | Veterans and Military Families Month | Veterans Week November 5–11 |
| Tennessee | Veterans Month | SJR 1051 recognizes November 2026; honors 440,000+ veterans |
| New Jersey | Veterans Month | SJR108 designates November 2026 as Veterans Month |
| Connecticut | Veterans’ Month | Governor required to proclaim November annually |
| Louisiana | Veterans Month | Senate resolution designates November as Veterans Month |
Operation Green Light
Operation Green Light is a national campaign that began in 2021 as a collaboration among New York State counties. It encourages residents, businesses, and government buildings to display a green light during the week of November 4–11 to honor veterans and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
The initiative has spread to hundreds of counties and local governments across the United States and is now coordinated nationally by the National Association of Counties (NACo). In New York, 17 state landmarks — including One World Trade Center, Niagara Falls, and Grand Central Terminal — are illuminated green during Veterans Month.
Key Dates Within Veterans Month
Veterans Month includes several specific observances. Here are the key dates to know.
| Date | Observance |
|---|---|
| November 1 | Veterans Month begins; VA open houses nationwide |
| November 4–11 | Operation Green Light for Veterans |
| First full week | Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Week |
| November 9 | National Veterans Stand Out Day |
| November 10 | U.S. Marine Corps Birthday |
| November 11 | Veterans Day (federal holiday) |
| Mid-November | National Veterans Small Business Week |
| November 20–24 | Spend an Hour with a Vet Week |
Veterans Day Ceremonies
The VA’s National Cemetery Administration hosts Veterans Day programs at national cemeteries across the country on November 11. The largest ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery, featuring a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Marine Corps Birthday
November 10 marks the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, founded in 1775. The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a traditional celebration held on or near this date.
What Happens During Veterans Month?
Veterans Month includes a wide range of activities organized by the VA, state governments, local communities, and private organizations.
VA-Sponsored Events
The Department of Veterans Affairs coordinates events throughout November, including:
VA Open Houses — VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics host open houses to connect veterans with health care and benefits.
Homeless Veteran Initiative Events — outreach to veterans experiencing homelessness.
Suicide Prevention Events — Stand Down events and awareness campaigns.
Veteran Legal Clinic Week of Service — pro bono legal assistance for veterans at VA medical centers.
Spend an Hour with a Vet Week — encourages Americans to engage with veterans in their communities.
National Apprenticeship Week — highlights apprenticeship opportunities for veterans.
Community Events
Local communities, veteran service organizations, and nonprofits host events throughout November:
Parades and ceremonies
Veterans resource fairs and benefit expos
Military memorabilia exhibitions
Veteran art exhibitions and cultural events
School programs and educational activities
Employer hiring events and job fairs
Employer Recognition
Many employers use Veterans Month to recognize veteran employees, announce veteran hiring initiatives, and support veteran-owned businesses. National Veterans Small Business Week, typically held in early November, highlights the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs.
VA Benefits and Veterans Month
Veterans Month often coincides with important VA benefit updates and enrollment opportunities. Here are the key benefits veterans should review during November.
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment for veterans with service-connected injuries or illnesses rated 10% or higher. In 2026, monthly compensation ranges from $180.42 for a 10% rating to $4,671.47 for a 100% rating with dependents, following a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.
Eligibility: Veterans with a service-connected disability rated 10% or higher by the VA.
How to Apply: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov or through the mail.
Why It Matters: This benefit provides tax-free monthly income for veterans whose health was affected by their military service.
What to Do Next: If you have a service-connected condition and have not filed a claim, apply during Veterans Month to start the process.
VA Pension
VA pension is a needs-based monthly tax-free benefit for low-income wartime veterans. In 2026, a single veteran can receive up to $17,441 annually.
Eligibility: Veterans aged 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled, who served during a wartime period and meet income and asset limits.
Why It Matters: This benefit provides financial support for veterans with limited income who served during wartime.
VA Health Care
All veterans may be eligible for VA health care. Enrollment is free for many veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities. Veterans Month is an ideal time to check eligibility and enroll.
Eligibility: Veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
How to Apply: Apply online at VA.gov or by calling 1-877-222-8387.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition. In 2026, the base monthly rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36.
Eligibility: Surviving spouses, dependent children, and parents of deceased service members.
Why It Matters: This benefit provides ongoing financial support for families who lost a loved one to military service.
GI Bill Benefits
GI Bill education benefits help veterans pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. These benefits are tax-free and include tuition, housing, and book stipends.
Eligibility: Veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001, or who qualify under other GI Bill programs.
VA Home Loan Program
The VA home loan program helps veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses buy, build, or improve a home with no down payment and competitive interest rates.
Eligibility: Veterans with qualifying service history and an honorable discharge.
How to Participate in Veterans Month
Anyone can participate in Veterans Month. Here are practical steps for individuals, employers, and organizations.
For Individuals
Display a green light in your home or business from November 4–11 as part of Operation Green Light.
Attend a Veterans Day ceremony at a local memorial, national cemetery, or community event.
Thank a veteran — a simple acknowledgment of their service goes a long way.
Volunteer with a veteran service organization such as the American Legion, VFW, or Disabled American Veterans.
Donate to organizations that support veterans and military families.
For Employers
Recognize veteran employees with a company event or social media post.
Review your hiring practices to ensure they are veteran-friendly.
Participate in National Veterans Small Business Week by supporting veteran-owned businesses.
Host a resource fair connecting veteran employees with VA benefits and services.
For Veterans
Check your VA benefit eligibility — Veterans Month is an ideal time to review what you qualify for.
Enroll in VA health care if you have not already.
File any pending claims or appeals.
Connect with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance with claims.
Share your story — oral history projects like the Library of Congress Veterans History Project preserve veterans’ experiences.
Common Mistakes During Veterans Month
Mistake 1: Confusing Veterans Month with Veterans Day. Veterans Day is November 11. Veterans Month is the entire month of November. Both are important, but they are distinct observances.
Mistake 2: Assuming Veterans Month is a federal holiday. Veterans Month is a national observance, not a federal holiday. It does not result in a day off work or government office closures.
Mistake 3: Overlooking military families. Veterans Month honors not just veterans but also their families. Military families make significant sacrifices and deserve recognition.
Mistake 4: Waiting until November 11 to participate. Veterans Month runs all November. There are events and opportunities throughout the month.
Mistake 5: Not checking for benefit updates. Veterans Month often coincides with VA benefit announcements and enrollment periods. Veterans should use this time to review their benefits.
Common Questions
Is November officially Veterans Month?
Yes. November is officially designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. The president signs a proclamation each year recognizing the entire month of November to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Veterans Day, November 11, falls within this month.
When did Veterans Month start?
Veterans Month began in 2017 when President Donald Trump signed the first proclamation establishing November as National Veterans and Military Families Month. Before 2017, veterans were honored primarily on Veterans Day alone. The 2017 proclamation expanded the observance to a full month.
What is the difference between Veterans Month and Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a single federal holiday on November 11. Veterans Month is the entire month of November. Veterans Day is a part of Veterans Month, but the month includes many other observances, including Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Week, National Veterans Small Business Week, and Operation Green Light.
Is Veterans Month a federal holiday?
No. Veterans Month is a national observance, not a federal holiday. Federal offices remain open throughout November except on Veterans Day, which is a federal holiday. Veterans Month is recognized through proclamations and events, not through government closures.
What is Operation Green Light?
Operation Green Light is a national campaign that encourages residents, businesses, and government buildings to display a green light during November 4–11 to honor veterans. It began in 2021 in New York State and has spread to hundreds of counties across the United States. It is coordinated nationally by the National Association of Counties.
How can I participate in Veterans Month?
You can participate by displaying a green light during Operation Green Light week, attending a Veterans Day ceremony, thanking a veteran, volunteering with a veteran service organization, or donating to organizations that support veterans. Employers can recognize veteran employees and support veteran-owned businesses.
Do all states recognize Veterans Month?
Yes. All 50 states issue proclamations recognizing November as Veterans Month, Veterans Appreciation Month, or Veterans and Military Families Month. The exact name and scope vary by state. Many governors also issue separate Veterans Day proclamations.
What VA benefits should I review during Veterans Month?
Veterans should review VA disability compensation, VA pension, VA health care, GI Bill benefits, VA home loan eligibility, and survivor benefits. Veterans Month is an ideal time to check eligibility, file pending claims, and connect with a Veterans Service Officer for free assistance.
Is there a Veterans Month in other countries?
Yes. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries honor veterans in November, often around Remembrance Day on November 11. The United States is unique in designating the entire month as Veterans and Military Families Month.
What is National Veterans Small Business Week?
National Veterans Small Business Week is typically held in early November as part of Veterans Month. It recognizes the contributions of veteran entrepreneurs and encourages support for veteran-owned businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) coordinates events and resources.
Key Takeaways
November is officially designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month in the United States.
The observance was established in 2017 by presidential proclamation, expanding on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day, November 11, falls within Veterans Month and remains a federal holiday.
Operation Green Light (November 4–11) encourages green light displays to honor veterans.
All 50 states issue proclamations recognizing November as Veterans Month or Veterans Appreciation Month.
VA disability compensation, VA pension, and other benefits are often reviewed and updated during Veterans Month.
In 2026, VA disability compensation ranges from $180.42 to $4,671.47 per month after a 2.8% COLA.
Veterans Month includes Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Week, National Veterans Small Business Week, and National Veterans Stand Out Day.
Anyone can participate by displaying a green light, attending events, volunteering, or supporting veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans should use Veterans Month to check benefit eligibility, enroll in VA health care, and file any pending claims.
Official Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — VA.gov — Benefits, health care, and Veterans Month events
VA News — news.va.gov — Official Veterans Month announcements
National Association of Counties (NACo) — naco.org — Operation Green Light information
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) — sba.gov — National Veterans Small Business Week
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
