Veterans Day is an annual holiday observed in the United States on November 11. The day was first proclaimed as Armistice Day for November 11, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson to observe the end of World War I. Congress formalized the day as Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, but the holiday was observed as the fourth Monday in October until 1978. The purpose of the holiday is to honor veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.