What You May Not Know About Veterans Day
Do you know how many veterans we have here in the U.S. or how Veterans Day got its start? Here are some interesting Veterans Day facts from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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How Did Veterans Day Begin?
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
About Our Veterans
21.5 Million: The number of military veterans in the United States in 2011. Source: 2011 American Community Survey
1.6 Million: The number of female veterans in 2011. Source: 2011 American Community Survey
2.3 Million: The number of black veterans in 2011. Additionally, 1.2 million veterans were Hispanic; 264,695 were Asian; 153,223 were American Indian or Alaska Native; 27,469 were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 17.2 million were non-Hispanic white. (The numbers for blacks, Asians, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, and non-Hispanic whites cover only those reporting a single race.) Source: 2011 American Community Survey
9.2 Million: The number of veterans 65 and older in 2011. At the other end of the age spectrum, 1.8 million were younger than 35. Source: 2011 American Community Survey
When They Served
7.5 Million: Number of Vietnam-era veterans in 2011: 5.1 million served during the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present); 1.8 million in World War II (1941-1945); 2.4 million in the Korean War (1950-1953); and 5.4 million in peacetime only. Source: 2011 American Community Survey
Where They Live
3: Number of states with 1 million or more veterans in 2011. These states were California (1.9 million), Florida (1.6 million) and Texas (1.6 million). Source: 2011 American Community Survey
Jon David Bruner
2:40 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
Thanks to all those who served with no intention of being thanked or honored for their sacrifice. Due to their sacrifice we have the ability to due as we wish in our daily lives. Many Americans take one day a year to honor those who have given
so much for so little. As a proud American I think we should all sh ow more support for these men and women in uniform. Godbless them all. And thank you all so very much. and and we
julie kettle
4:12 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
Thank you is not enough to express our gratitude. Many of my uncles served in ww2 &the Korean conflict plus the Vietnam era ..we can take time to volunteer @ vet hosps or just take the time with a relative or friend that has served this country.