Veteran’s Day is a day we set apart to honor all veterans of uniformed services, whether active or retired. The origin of this day goes back to World War I. Seven months before the end of the war, there was an armistice between Germany and the Allied Nations. An armistice is an agreed upon truce for a specific amount of time. The armistice went into effect on November 11, 1918, in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
A year later, in November of 1919, President Wilson declared November 11 the first commemoration of Armistice Day. He proclaimed the day with this quote:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations” (va.gov).
Armistice Day was made an official holiday through an act of the United States Congress in May of 1938. The day was intended to celebrate veterans with a parade, meetings, and a suspension of business starting at 11am. Armistice Day was intended to honor primarily the veterans of World War I.
However, after World War II the name of the day was amended to include veterans of all wars. On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the Act of 1938 and replaced the word “armistice” with “veterans”. And Veterans Day then became an official holiday, celebrated every year on November 11.
In honor of Veterans Day, we put together some basic facts that Americans should know about our vets. And a heartfelt THANK YOU for those who have served, or continue to serve, our country. We love you!
–Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas
1. There Are 6 Branches Of The U.S. Military
Our military has six branches. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the newest branch, the Space Force.
2. The Term "Soldier" Is Only For The Army
Those who serve in the U.S. Army are the only ones referred to as “Soldiers”. The Navy has “Sailors”. The Air Force has “Airmen”. The Marine Corps has “Marines”. The Coast Guard has “Coast Guardsmen”. And the new Space Force has “Guardians”.
3. There Are Around 19 Million Veterans In The United States
The VA has reported that there are around 19 million veterans of our U.S. military. That’s about 7% of our adult population.
4. 33% Of The Military Is Made Up Of The National Guard And Reservists
Just over 800,000 men and women make up the National Guard and Reserve. That’s about 33% of the entire military. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force all have these programs.
5. 200,000 Veterans Return To Civilian Life Every Year
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are approximately 200,000 men and women who leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians.
