Veterans Day Message | 50 Examples + Tips

Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication shown by those who have served in active duty in the US Armed Forces. A Veterans Day message expresses appreciation and respect to military veterans for their service. It can be shared in person, in a card or text message, or on social media.

Finding the right words to match the depth of that service can feel challenging, especially when you want your message to feel personal, respectful, and sincere.

Whether you’re honoring a family member, co-worker, friend, or unknown hero, the 50 examples below show how to craft a meaningful Veterans Day message. Whatever you decide to write, QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will ensure that it’s error free.

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the US dedicated to honoring military veterans. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines a veteran as someone who served in active duty and was honorably discharged.

It originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, the US government officially changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.

When is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11, regardless of the day of the week that it falls on. If it lands on a weekend, many government offices, banks, and schools observe the holiday on the nearest weekday (Friday or Monday). In 2025, Veterans Day falls on Tuesday, November 11.

How to write a Veterans Day message

A meaningful Veterans Day message doesn’t require poetic skill. It just takes sincerity and respect. Here are a few tips to help you write a thoughtful message. 

• Start with gratitude: Begin with a simple “thank you” (e.g., “thank you for your service).
• Honor their bravery: Use words that reflect the qualities veterans embody, such as bravery, sacrifice, loyalty, or patriotism.
• Keep it uplifting: Veterans Day is a time to honor, not mourn (like Memorial Day). While it’s appropriate to acknowledge hardships, focus on respect and appreciation, not sadness.
• Close with a strong sentiment: End with a sincere expression of ongoing support or well-wishes (e.g., “Wishing you peace and recognition this Veterans Day”).

50 Veterans Day messages

The 50 examples below show how to write a Veterans Day message for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Patriotic Veterans Day messages

These patriotic Veterans Day messages celebrate the strength, courage, and dedication of those who have served.

• Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedom. Your courage will never be forgotten.
• On Veterans Day, we salute the brave men and women who have defended our nation with honor.
• Thank you to all veterans who paid the price with courage and sacrifice.
• Your service is the reason we live in a land of liberty.
• Honoring all who served, today and always.
• Our country is strong because of those who serve. Grateful today and every day.
• May we never take for granted the liberty you helped to protect.
• Thank you for showing the world what true patriotism looks like.
• With every flag flown and anthem sung, we honor your bravery.
• Your legacy lives on in every free citizen and peaceful moment.

Veterans Day messages of gratitude

A simple “thank you” can mean the world to a veteran. These messages of gratitude are perfect for expressing heartfelt appreciation.

• I salute your service, sacrifice, and strength.
• May your service always be remembered and your sacrifice never forgotten.
• Thank you for answering the call of duty and serving with honor.
• We are forever grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made for our country.
• Your courage and selflessness don’t go unnoticed.
• Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to serve.
• We are safe and free because of your dedication. Grateful beyond words.
• From the bottom of my heart, thank you for protecting our freedom.
• Every veteran deserves our thanks, today and every day.
• Thank you for your commitment to protecting our future.

Veterans Day messages for social media

Sharing a Veterans Day message online? These short and powerful examples are ideal for Instagram captions and other social media posts.

• Today we honor the service, stories, and sacrifices of our veterans. #VeteransDay
• I stand with all veterans and their families. Thank you.
• Saluting our heroes on Veterans Day. We remember. We honor.
• Proud to support those who have protected our freedom. #VeteransDay2025
• A simple thank you goes a long way. #HonorOurVeterans
• Respect. Gratitude. Honor. #VeteransDay
• Celebrating all who served with honor and pride.
• Thank you, veterans. You are the true heroes.
• Bravery, sacrifice, and service. Today we honor them all.
• On this Veterans Day, I extend my deepest appreciation to all who served.

Veterans Day messages for family and friends who served

Use messages like these to honor the veterans in your life with warmth and pride.

• You inspire me with your courage and strength.
• Your service makes our family proud every day.
• You’ve always been a hero in my eyes. Today, we celebrate you.
• Your strength and service inspire everyone around you.
• I’m honored to call you family and grateful for your bravery.
• Your story is part of our history, and I’m proud to share it.
• Watching you serve has shown me what real sacrifice looks like.
• I’m so proud to know someone as brave and selfless as you.
• You’ve always led with strength, whether in uniform or at home.
• Knowing the sacrifices you’ve made gives Veterans Day a deeper meaning. I’m honored to share this day with someone so brave.

Veterans Day messages for employees and coworkers

These professional Veterans Day messages can help you express respect and support in the workplace.

• Your sacrifice is the foundation of our freedom.
• Thank you for your service and dedication.
• I’m lucky to work with someone with your leadership and courage.
• Your commitment to service inspires me, and your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
• Behind every great team are people who have stood for something greater than themselves.
• Your resilience and experience make our team special, and we thank you for your service.
• Thank you for showing our team what true commitment looks like.
• As a service member, teammate, and leader, you continue to bring your best to every role. We’re lucky to work alongside you.
• Today we honor you, not just as a veteran, but as a valued part of this team.
• Your dedication to our country sets a powerful example.

Frequently asked questions about Veterans Day messages

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday on November 11 in the US. Government offices are closed and federal employees and military members get the day off. Banks in the US are also usually closed on Veterans Day.

When Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, federal offices in the US are closed on Friday. When it’s on a Sunday, they’re closed on the following Monday.

On this holiday, people also write messages to thank friends and family for their service. When you’re working on a Veterans Day message, QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can make it error free.

Is it Veterans Day or Veteran’s Day?

It is “Veterans Day” (without an apostrophe) because “veteran” is a plural noun in this context. The apostrophe is incorrect because “veteran” is not a possessive noun. The holiday honors all of the veterans (plural). Only use “veteran’s” when you mean “belonging to one veteran”:

• The veteran’s supervisor took her out to lunch on Veterans Day.

Have you tried QuillBot’s Grammar Checker for help with using plurals and possessives? They’re easy to confuse, but this free tool will help you get them right when you’re writing a Veterans Day message.

Do you say Happy Veterans Day?

In most cases, you don’t say “Happy Veterans Day” when you’re greeting a veteran or writing a Veterans Day message. A veteran in this context is a person who served in active duty (e.g., in Iraq or Vietnam) and who received an honorable discharge. The holiday is for honoring sacrifices rather than festive celebrations.

Instead of “Happy Veterans Day,” say “thank you for your service,” or “I appreciate your sacrifice.”

When you’re writing a Veteran’s Day message, QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will help you avoid errors.

What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Memorial Day is a day set aside to mourn and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May each year.

Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring anyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is observed on November 11 every year, which coincides with the anniversary of the end of World War I (also known as Armistice Day).