Veterans Day was initially observed to mark the end of World War I fighting at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. First known as Armistice Day in 1926, when it became a national holiday, the occasion underwent a metamorphosis of names and dates celebrated, becoming Veterans Day Nov. 11, 1954, then moving to the fourth Monday in October starting in 1971, then back to Nov. 11 in 1978. Eventually, it became the day to honor all veterans.