Wednesday, November 11, 2026, marks Veterans Day, a time to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and acknowledge the sacrifices made by them and their families.
Veterans continue to play an important role in communities across the country. Their contributions extend well beyond their military service, reaching into education, healthcare, business, public service, and countless other fields.
Their presence is particularly notable in the federal workforce. Veterans account for approximately 27% of the federal executive branch workforce, compared with roughly 6% of the overall adult population. Across federal agencies, former service members bring valuable experience, leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to public service.
How Veterans Day Began
Veterans Day traces its origins to November 11, 1918, when an armistice brought an end to the fighting in World War I. The agreement took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, establishing the date as a lasting symbol of peace.
The United States initially observed the occasion as Armistice Day, honoring those who served in World War I. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day so the holiday would recognize American veterans of all wars and periods of service.
The holiday’s date briefly changed in the late 1960s. Legislation passed in 1968 moved several federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends, including Veterans Day. However, the change was unpopular, and many states continued observing the holiday on November 11.
President Gerald Ford signed legislation in 1975 restoring Veterans Day to its traditional date, with the change taking effect in 1978. Since then, November 11 has remained the annual date of observance.
Important Benefits for Veterans in Federal Employment
For veterans who transition from military service into federal civilian employment, certain benefits and rules can have a significant impact on their careers and eventual retirement.
Two areas deserve particular attention:
Military Service and FERS Retirement Credit
Veterans who served on active duty after 1956 may be able to receive credit for that service toward their FERS retirement. In most cases, this requires making a military service deposit, generally calculated as 3% of military basic pay for qualifying service, plus applicable interest.
Completing the deposit can increase creditable service used in calculating a FERS pension. However, military retirees should be aware that special rules may apply, particularly if they receive military retired pay.
Employees can find additional information through OPM’s Military Service Credit guidance.
Veterans’ Preference During a Reduction in Force
Veterans’ preference can also provide important protections if a federal agency conducts a Reduction in Force (RIF).
Under federal RIF rules, eligible veterans receive additional service credit when agencies determine which employees will be retained. Preference-eligible veterans generally receive either three or five additional years of service credit, depending on their eligibility. Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more receive five additional years.
These additional credits can affect an employee’s retention standing when competing with other employees in the same competitive area and tenure group.
Remembering Those Who Served
Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize more than military service alone. It is a chance to acknowledge the sacrifices veterans and their families have made and the contributions they continue to make throughout American society.
And to all federal employees enjoying the day off, take a moment to remember and thank the veterans who have helped protect our country and serve our communities.
