Veterans Day

November 11, 2008

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Profile America — Tuesday, November 11th. This is Veterans Day, and all across the country, 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 Armistice Day, marking the end of the first World War 90 years ago today. 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 23 million veterans in the U.S. The largest number, close to 8 million, served during the Vietnam War, and just under 3 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 online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 552
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB08-FF.19
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/012781.html