Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I? In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance, and in 1938, Nov. 11 became a national holiday. The name changed to Veterans Day in 1954 as a way to honor those who served in all American wars with parades and speeches across the nation and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces.
18.0 million. The number of military veterans in the United States in 2018. Source: 2018 American Community Survey
1.7 million. The number of female veterans in the United States in 2018. Source: 2018 American Community Survey
12.0% The percentage of veterans in 2018 who were black. Additionally, 76.7 percent were non-Hispanic white, 1.7 percent were Asian, 0.8 % were American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2 % were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 1.4 % were some other race. (The numbers for blacks, non-Hispanic whites, Asians, American Indians, and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, and some other race cover only those reporting a single race.) Source: 2018 American Community Survey
7.2% The percentage of veterans in 2018 who were Hispanic. Source: 2018 American Community Survey
50.1% The percentage of veterans age 65 and older in 2018. At the other end of the age spectrum, 9.1% were younger than age 35. Source: 2018 American Community Survey
More on Veterans
See a detailed profile on the Veteran population from the 2018 American Community Survey. Statistics include:
- When They Served
- Demographics – Sex, Age, Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin
- Median Income
- Educational Attainment
- Employment Status
- Poverty Status
- Disability Status
The above facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys.