National Hire a Veteran Day

National Hire a Veteran Day is observed each year on July 25. In 2026, this date falls on a Saturday. This day encourages employers across the United States to recognize the skills and dedication veterans bring to the civilian workforce. It serves as a call to action for businesses of all sizes to create meaningful job opportunities for those who have served in the military.

History of National Hire a Veteran Day

National Hire a Veteran Day was established in 2017 by the National Day Calendar in partnership with Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, founder of Hire Our Heroes. The date was chosen to give national attention to veteran employment outside of traditional military observances like Veterans Day. Unlike many holidays tied to battles or wartime events, this day focuses purely on the civilian career transition of veterans.

Since its founding, the observance has grown into a platform for recruitment campaigns, employer pledges, and community events. The U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs now promote the day each year, encouraging businesses to seek out qualified veterans. The HIRE Vets Act, signed into law in 2017, created a federal medallion program that recognizes employers committed to hiring and retaining veterans, further supporting the day's mission.

Why is National Hire a Veteran Day important?

Veterans bring proven skills in leadership, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving—qualities developed through military service and highly valuable in civilian careers. Each year, roughly 200,000 men and women leave the military and begin the difficult process of transitioning to civilian life. Finding stable employment is one of the biggest hurdles in that transition.

Hiring a veteran is not an act of charity but a sound business decision. Veterans are trained to perform under pressure, work in diverse teams, and complete tasks efficiently. National Hire a Veteran Day reminds employers that these individuals represent a talented and dependable workforce ready to contribute.

• Encourages businesses to actively recruit veterans for open positions.
• Raises awareness of the challenges veterans face when translating military experience into civilian job applications.
• Highlights the economic and social benefits of veteran employment for communities.
• Provides a platform for job fairs, networking events, and employer pledges.
• Supports the mission of organizations like Hire Our Heroes that connect veterans with career opportunities.

How to Celebrate National Hire a Veteran Day

Employers can mark the day by hosting a job fair or virtual recruitment event focused on veterans. Reach out to local veteran service organizations or the Department of Veterans Affairs to partner on career workshops. Offering resume review sessions or military skills translation tools can help veterans showcase their experience effectively.

Individuals can support the day by sharing job postings from veteran-friendly companies on social media. Use hashtags like #NationalHireAVeteranDay and #HireAVeteranDay to spread the message. Consider mentoring a veteran through the job search process or volunteering with a veteran employment nonprofit.

• Host a hiring event or career fair specifically for veterans.
• Partner with veteran service organizations to offer resume and interview workshops.
• Post job openings on veteran-focused job boards and social media platforms.
• Encourage your company to sign a pledge committing to veteran hiring goals.
• Thank a veteran for their service and ask how you can support their career transition.

National Hire a Veteran Day Dates