Veterans Day Trivia: 40+ Questions to Honor Our Heroes

Veterans Day is more than just a day off—it’s a time to honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or trivia lover, these questions are a fun way to learn about the history, meaning, and traditions behind this important American holiday.
From the origin of the holiday to military branches and famous veterans, this quiz covers it all.


Answers are provided below—let’s see how much you know!

Veterans Day Trivia Questions

History & Origins

  1. What date is Veterans Day observed in the United States?
  2. What was Veterans Day originally called?
  3. Which war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month?
  4. In what year was Armistice Day renamed to Veterans Day in the U.S.?
  5. What U.S. President signed the bill to officially change the name to Veterans Day?
  6. Which President restored the holiday to November 11 after it was temporarily moved?
  7. What federal act in 1968 caused Veterans Day to be celebrated on a Monday for a few years?
  8. In what year did Veterans Day return permanently to November 11?
  9. Why is Veterans Day not the same as Memorial Day?
  10. What country inspired the idea of Armistice Day?

U.S. Military Knowledge

  1. How many branches are there in the U.S. Armed Forces?
  2. What is the oldest branch of the U.S. military?
  3. What branch has the motto “Semper Fi”?
  4. Which branch is primarily responsible for air and space operations?
  5. What branch is often referred to as “The Silent Service”?
  6. What branch handles operations primarily at sea?
  7. What branch includes the Coast Guard?
  8. What color uniform is traditionally associated with the Army?
  9. What does the acronym “POW” stand for?
  10. What does “MIA” stand for?

Symbols, Traditions & Observance

  1. What flower is commonly worn on Veterans Day?
  2. What national holiday shares the same date as Veterans Day in other countries?
  3. What is the traditional moment of silence held at 11 a.m. meant to honor?
  4. What color is most often used in Veterans Day decorations?
  5. What U.S. landmark holds a national Veterans Day ceremony each year?
  6. What is the name of the unknown soldier honored in Arlington National Cemetery?
  7. What do American flags typically do on Veterans Day?
  8. Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
  9. What state has the highest percentage of military veterans?
  10. What is the name of the Department that oversees veteran benefits?

Famous Veterans

  1. Which U.S. President served as a general in World War II?
  2. What famous actor served as a Marine in World War II and starred in The Quiet Man?
  3. What astronaut and veteran walked on the moon in 1969?
  4. What famous talk show host served in the U.S. Navy before starting his career?
  5. What boxer served in the U.S. Army before becoming a world champion?
  6. What actor from Forrest Gump also played Lt. Dan and is a vocal advocate for veterans?
  7. What baseball legend served in both WWII and the Korean War?
  8. What famous singer known for “Blue Suede Shoes” served in the Army?
  9. What TV icon and painter was an Air Force Master Sergeant?
  10. Which Medal of Honor recipient was portrayed in the movie Hacksaw Ridge?

✅ Veterans Day Trivia Answers

History & Origins

  1. November 11
  2. Armistice Day
  3. World War I
  4. 1954
  5. Dwight D. Eisenhower
  6. Gerald Ford
  7. Uniform Monday Holiday Act
  8. 1978
  9. Veterans Day honors all who served; Memorial Day honors those who died in service
  10. France (original Armistice Day idea)

U.S. Military Knowledge

  1. Six (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
  2. Army (founded 1775)
  3. U.S. Marine Corps
  4. Air Force (and Space Force)
  5. Submarine Force (Navy)
  6. Navy
  7. Department of Homeland Security / Coast Guard
  8. Green
  9. Prisoner of War
  10. Missing in Action

Symbols, Traditions & Observance

  1. Red poppy
  2. Remembrance Day (UK, Canada, Australia)
  3. The armistice ending WWI
  4. Red, white, and blue
  5. Arlington National Cemetery
  6. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  7. Flown at full staff, after half-staff until noon
  8. Yes
  9. Alaska
  10. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Famous Veterans

  1. Dwight D. Eisenhower
  2. John Wayne
  3. Neil Armstrong
  4. Johnny Carson
  5. Joe Louis
  6. Gary Sinise
  7. Ted Williams
  8. Elvis Presley
  9. Bob Ross
  10. Desmond Doss