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Whether you have a personal connection to the military or have served yourself, Veterans Day is a meaningful occasion to celebrate. The United States Census Bureau reported 16.2 million military veterans in 2022—here are some important reminders for honoring them on November 11.
1. Understand the distinction between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
While Memorial Day (observed on the last Monday in May) and Veterans Day (November 11) both honor military service members, they serve different purposes. Memorial Day commemorates those who lost their lives in service, whereas Veterans Day celebrates all veterans, both living and deceased.
2. Veterans Day was originally known by another name.
World War I veterans in Chicago, circa 1928 | Kirn Vintage Stock/GettyImagesOn November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the agreement that ended World War I. Congress formalized Armistice Day as a federal holiday in 1938, though many states already celebrated it. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law renaming it Veterans Day to honor all veterans, regardless of when they served, including those before and after the First World War.
3. The timing of Veterans Day carries deep historical meaning.
While the date shifted several times during the 20th century, Veterans Day is now observed annually on November 11. This date was selected to align with the anniversary of the conclusion of World War I, which took place at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
4. Today, fewer than 200,000 World War II veterans remain alive.
American war veterans arriving home from Europe in 1945. | Keystone/GettyImagesAlthough World War II concluded over 75 years ago, a small number of veterans who served in the conflict are still alive. The National WWII Museum’s most recent estimate states that “119,550 of the 16.1 million Americans who served in World War II are alive as of 2023.” However, most of these veterans are now in their 90s or older.
5. Not all veterans have experienced combat.
Military service doesn’t always mean deployment to war zones. The Pew Research Center reports that almost 25% of U.S. veterans served exclusively during peacetime. Non-combat roles can include safeguarding U.S. embassies, aiding in disaster recovery, and delivering medical care to underserved areas.
6. Three states are home to massive veteran communities.
As of 2020, three states had veteran populations surpassing 1 million: California (1.64 million), Texas (1.57 million), and Florida (1.14 million). States with the highest veteran percentages include Alaska, Virginia, Montana, Wyoming, Hawaii, and Maine, where roughly 10% of adults are veterans. Despite these concentrations, veterans are spread across every corner of the nation.
7. Veterans often have higher levels of education.
Military service members often achieve higher educational attainment compared to civilians. The National Conference of State Legislatures found that in 2017, 37.1% of U.S. veterans had some college education or an associate’s degree, while 27.7% held at least a bachelor’s degree.
8. Many nations celebrate their own versions of Veterans Day.
Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales attending the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in November 2022. | Max Mumby/Indigo/GettyImagesSeveral countries commemorate veterans and war casualties with holidays on or near November 11. However, the name varies internationally: Canada calls it Remembrance Day, while the UK observes both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
9. Veterans face a higher risk of homelessness.
Although veterans represent just 7 percent of the U.S. population, they account for approximately 11 percent of the homeless adult population. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that over 40,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night. Younger veterans are disproportionately affected, but individuals who served in conflicts like World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq also face this challenge.
10. Mental health struggles are common among veterans.
Mental health issues are prevalent among veterans. The RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research found that in 2008, nearly 20% of veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan suffered from major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions can stem from various causes, but traumatic brain injuries often play a significant role.
11. Supporting veterans is a year-round opportunity.
Simple acts like covering a veteran’s meal at a local restaurant or offering them a ride to a medical appointment can go a long way in expressing your appreciation. Numerous charitable organizations across the nation are also dedicated to assisting veterans. Here is a list of veteran-focused groups seeking donations and volunteer support.
