Veterans Day

November 11, 2005

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Profile America — Friday, November 11th. This is Veterans Day — and all across the country — flags are flying, and special events will honor the men and women who have served our nation so that we may live in peace and security. The day takes on added significance, with many members of the uniformed services on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Originally, the holiday was known as Armistice Day, marking the end of the first World War. By the time of the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans Day to include all those who had served in the armed forces. Today, there are nearly 25-million veterans in the U.S. — about 1-of-every-10 adults. The largest number — over 8-million — served during the Vietnam War, and just over 4-million survive from those who fought in the second World War. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau on the Web at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2005, p. 577
Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2004-2005, t. 11
http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-04.html
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB05-FF.17
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/005696.html