Veterans Day 2019: Things You Should Know

by TRAVIS GERLACH, CSU Public Relations Intern

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Veterans Day is right around the corner. Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace.

Whether or not you know someone who served in the military or you served yourself, Veterans Day is a holiday worth observing.

Currently, there are around 18 million veterans living in the U.S.—here are some things to remember when honoring them on November 11.

Veterans Day and Memorial Day are NOT the same

Both holidays honor men and women who have served the country. Memorial Day recognizes those men and women who died while serving. Veterans Day is a time to recognize men and women who served our country, both the dead and the living. 

It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of WWI

On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued an Armistice Day proclamation—a reference to the agreement made between the Allies and Germany to end World War I a year earlier. Congress would officially declare Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938.

The date has significance

Veterans Day falls on Nov 11 of each year. This is because it coincides with the anniversary of the end of WWI. Which happened, “on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

Veterans Today

  • 18.2 Million living veterans served during at least one war as of 2018
  • 9 percent of veterans are women
  • 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War 

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