Veterans Day By the Numbers

On 11-11-11 the nation will honor its veterans—living and dead—giving thanks for their service to the country whether during war or peace time.

Seems just about every retailer has a Veterans Day sale, but the day is not about sales and store specials. We are sharing a little bit of Veterans Day history and veteran facts so that the true meaning of the day doesn’t get lost.

Veterans Day had its start as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Not until 1926 did Congress pass a resolution setting aside the day for an annual observance. And, the day didn’t become a national holiday until 1938. Then, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day, ensuring that all who serve are honored.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill, moving the holiday to the fourth Monday in October and it was enacted in 1971. But, in 1975 President Gerald Ford returned the holiday to Nov. 11 due to the historical significance of the date, according to History.com. 

Veterans in the United States in 2010:

21.8 million

Veterans over the age of 65:

9 million

Veterans under the age of 35:

1.7 million

Female veterans in 2010:

1.6 million

The number of Vietnam Veterans (35 percent of veterans served between 1964-1975):

7.6 million

Veterans who served during WWII (1941-1945):

2.1 million

Veterans who served during the Korean War (1950-1953):

2.6 million 

Veterans who served in the Gulf War (from Aug. 2, 1990-present):

4.8 million

Veterans who served in peacetime only:

5.5 million

Veterans with a service-related disability:

3.4 million

Veterans 18-64 who were working in 2010:

9.6 million