Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11. Originally called Armistice Day, this day honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. On Veterans Day, Americans celebrate and honor those who have served their country in times of war and peace. This article features 59 fun riddles about Veterans Day to test your knowledge about this important observance. The riddles focus on facts, trivia, history, customs, and traditions related to Veterans Day. Each riddle is followed by its answer to check your understanding. Keep reading to learn more about Veterans Day through these entertaining riddles!
Veterans Day Riddles
Riddles about Veterans Day History
Q1: Veterans Day commemorates the end of which major war?
A1: World War I
Q2: On which date was the Armistice signed to end World War I?
A2: November 11, 1918
Q3: What was Veterans Day originally called when it started in 1919?
A3: Armistice Day
Q4: In which year did Armistice Day officially become Veterans Day?
A4: 1954
Q5: Why was the name changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day?
A5: To honor veterans of all wars, not just World War I
Riddles about Veterans Day Traditions
Q6: What color poppy is traditionally worn on Veterans Day?
A6: Red
Q7: What time is a national moment of silence observed each Veterans Day?
A7: 11 a.m.
Q8: During the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, what is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
A8: A wreath
Q9: In which month is Veterans Day always celebrated?
A9: November
Q10: If Veterans Day falls on a weekday, how do many schools and government offices observe the holiday?
A10: By closing
Riddles about Veterans Day Customs
Q11: How do Americans traditionally show appreciation to veterans on Veterans Day?
A11: By thanking them for their service
Q12: What symbol represents remembrance on Veterans Day?
A12: Poppies
Q13: On Veterans Day, where might you see volunteer veterans fundraising or distributing small tokens?
A13: Near memorials
Q14: What patriotic colors are often used in Veterans Day parades and ceremonies?
A14: Red, white, and blue
Q15: At Veterans Day events, you may hear speakers say which thoughtful phrase?
A15: “Never forget their sacrifice”
Riddles about Who Veterans Are
Q16: Veterans served in which group that protects America?
A16: The military
Q17: What branch of the U.S. military has the motto “Semper Fidelis”?
A17: Marines
Q18: Sailors serve in which military branch?
A18: Navy
Q19: Soldiers serve in which branch?
A19: Army
Q20: Which branch’s dress uniform includes a Stetson hat?
A20: Air Force
Riddles about Veterans Day Facts
Q21: About how many military veterans live in the United States today?
A21: 19 million
Q22: American women were first allowed to enlist in the armed forces during which war?
A22: World War I
Q23: About what percentage of members of Congress are veterans?
A23: 20%
Q24: Veterans Day honors veterans still living and those who passed away. What word means “died”?
A24: Deceased
Q25: How many veterans served in World War II between 1941-1945?
A25: 16 million
Riddles about Veterans Day Events
Q26: What televised event on Veterans Day features marching bands and giant balloons?
A26: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Q27: Where might veterans and their families enjoy free admission on Veterans Day?
A27: Museums or national parks
Q28: What activity might veterans’ groups organize on or near Veterans Day to bring awareness?
A28: Marches or fundraisers
Q29: Veterans Day in NYC features a parade of veterans marching along what famous street?
A29: Fifth Avenue
Q30: Which federal holiday follows Veterans Day on the calendar?
A30: Thanksgiving
Riddles about Why We Honor Veterans
Q31: Veterans served our country. What does it mean to “serve”?
A31: To work for
Q32: Veterans risked their lives protecting something. What did they protect?
A32: Our freedom
Q33: Veterans left family behind while away. What does it mean to be “away”?
A33: Not present
Q34: When veterans were away, family missed them. What does it mean to “miss” someone?
A34: To long for their presence
Q35: Veterans were heroes who displayed loyalty. What does “loyalty” mean?
A35: Faithfulness to commitments
Riddles about Veterans Day Words
Q36: What does the word “veteran” mean?
A36: Someone who served in the armed forces
Q37: Soldiers who gave their lives are remembered with gratitude. What does “gratitude” mean?
A37: Thankfulness
Q38: On Veterans Day we honor those who protect liberty. What does “liberty” mean?
A38: Freedom
Q39: Veterans served with commitment to duty. What does “duty” mean?
A39: Obligatory tasks
Q40: Veterans deserve respect for being brave. What does “brave” mean?
A40: Courageous
Riddles about Honoring Veterans
Q41: Veterans Day parades often include what color flower symbolizing remembrance?
A41: Red poppies
Q42: What flying machines might perform a flyover at a Veterans Day ceremony?
A42: Jets
Q43: On Veterans Day, what symbol might be seen on shirts or hats to honor those who served?
A43: American flag
Q44: At a Veterans Day ceremony, people may observe a moment of silence at a specific time. What does “silence” mean?
A44: Lack of sound
Q45: Volunteers might hand out small lapel pins on Veterans Day. What does “lapel” mean?
A45: The folded edge of a jacket collar
Riddles about Veterans Day Observances
Q46: How many years has Veterans Day been celebrated annually?
A46: Over 70 years
Q47: Originally Veterans Day marked a war’s end and hope for peace. What does “peace” mean?
A47: Freedom from conflict
Q48: Veterans Day speeches talk of past wars and value of freedom. What does “freedom” mean?
A48: Liberty from control
Q49: Veterans Day reminds us of soldiers’ sacrifices defending democracy. What does “sacrifice” mean?
A49: Loss for a greater gain
Q50: Veterans Day celebrations include marching in parades. What does “parade” mean?
A50: A public procession
Riddles about Supporting Veterans
Q51: How might citizens support veterans on Veterans Day? By donating to what organizations?
A51: Veterans’ charities
Q52: Citizens may write letters of appreciation on Veterans Day. What does “appreciation” mean?
A52: Recognition of value
Q53: Many restaurants offer free meals to veterans on Veterans Day. What does “free” mean?
A53: At no cost
Q54: Veterans Day is a chance to aid vets struggling with hardships. What does “aid” mean?
A54: To assist
Q55: Citizens can support troops on Veterans Day through acts of goodwill. What does “goodwill” mean?
A55: Friendly care
Riddles about Veterans Day Observers
Q56: Veterans Day is celebrated by young and old alike. What does “alike” mean?
A56: In a similar way
Q57: Veterans Day draws crowds including former soldiers. What does “including” mean?
A57: Containing as part of a whole
Q58: On Veterans Day, who might be honored guests at school assemblies?
A58: Local veterans
Q59: Veterans Day acknowledges all citizens, regardless of differences. What does “differences” mean?
A59: Qualities that distinguish one from another
Conclusion
Veterans Day is an important opportunity for Americans to honor military veterans who dedicated their lives to protecting our country and democratic freedoms. These entertaining riddles cover a wide range of topics related to Veterans Day history, traditions, events, and ways to celebrate and remember the service and sacrifices of veterans. Solving these riddles can help build your knowledge about Veterans Day and inspire you to find meaningful ways to observe this November 11th holiday. Appreciation and support of veterans is something all citizens can participate in, so be creative in how you choose to honor them on Veterans Day this year.
