Veterans Day originally began as Armistice Day, a day to mark the cessation of fighting in World War I and to honor those who served in that conflict. The date, November 11, was chosen because the armistice took effect at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918. In 1954, the holiday was broadened to honor all military veterans of all wars, and its name was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to reflect that expanded purpose.