By Robin Widmar
Veterans Day is observed every Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. It is a day for honoring all veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces during wartime and peacetime.
The observance began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, to mark the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. In 1938, it became a federal holiday in the United States. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to rename the holiday Veterans Day and honor American veterans of all wars.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are often confused, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, which states: “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.” While those who died are also remembered, the intent of Veterans Day is to honor all who served.
Some quick facts about veterans from the VA website:
• Approximately 17 million veterans live in the United States today.
• The median age of veterans is 63.
• Women represent 12% of the veteran population, while racial and ethnic minority groups represent 28%.
• More than half of all veterans served during the Gulf War era (53%), and more than a quarter served during the Vietnam era (27%).
