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 has evolved into also honoring living military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

24.5 million
The number of military veterans in the United States in 2004.
See Table 509, 2006 edition, at
<http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/national_security_veterans_affairs/>

Female Vets
1.7 million
The number of female veterans in 2004.
See Table 509, 2006 edition, at
<http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/national_security_veterans_affairs/>

16%
Percentage of Persian Gulf War veterans in 2004 who were women. See Table 510, 2006 edition, at <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/national_security_veterans_affairs>

Race and Hispanic Origin
2.4 million
The number of black veterans in 2005. Additionally, 1.1 million veterans are Hispanic, 293,000 are Asian, 170,000 are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 28,000 are Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. (The numbers for blacks, Asians, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders cover only those reporting a single race.) (From AmericanFactFinder.)

When They Served
9.5 million
The number of veterans age 65 or older in 2004.
See Table 510, 2006 edition, at
<http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/national_security_veterans_affairs/>

8.1 million
Number of Vietnam-era veterans in 2004. Thirty-three percent of all veterans served in Vietnam. See Table 510, 2006 edition, at <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/national_security_veterans_affairs/>

3.9 million
Number of World War II veterans in 2004. Sixteen percent of all veterans served during World War II. See Table 510, 2006 edition, at <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/national_security_veterans_affairs/>

412,000
In 2005, number of living veterans who served during both the Vietnam era and in the Gulf War.

Other living veterans in 2005 who served in two or more wars:

1. 343,000 served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
   
2. 80,000 served during three periods: World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
   
3. 306,000 served in World War II and the Korean War.
   (Source: AmericanFactFinder.)