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Veterans Day Special: What You Should Know About Veterans Day
Image by Jennifer Ditscheit from Pixabay
There is a huge chance that you know someone who served in the U.S. armed forces. It could be you, a friend or a relative. That is why we would like to dedicate this post to commemorate this special day.
Veterans Day is worth observing because there are more than 18 million veteran citizens in the U.S. This November 11, we would like to share some facts you need to know about this day.
It was called Armistice Day.
Image by Jennifer Ditscheit from Pixabay
Armistice Day was proclaimed by former President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919. It was referred to as the agreement between Germany and Allies to end World War 1.
In 1938, Congress officially declared it as a federal holiday. In 1954, it was changed into Veterans Day by former president Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is to make it more inclusive of the veterans who served prior and after the 1st World War.
It is not Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is commemorated every last Monday of May while Veterans Day is on November 11 of every year. Though both commemorated for all the men and women who served the military, there is a little difference between the two holidays.
Memorial Day is observed for the fallen veterans who have died for the Country. Veterans Day is observed for all the military men and women both living and dead.
Around 500,000 World War II veterans are still living today.
Image by Cynthia Petersen from Pixabay
Though the 2nd World War had ended 70 years ago, many veterans who fought in the war are still living and can be appreciated. This year, there are around 450,000 veterans are still alive. According to the National World War II Museum, 350 veterans die each day. This is the reason why they try to preserve history by getting oral accounts.
The chosen date is very special.
Image by Vlad Vasnetsov from Pixabay
Though changed a few times through the years, Veterans Day is now celebrated on November 11 of each year. The date was chosen to be remembered with the end of World War I, which happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month. Interesting?
More veterans live in these three states.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Three U.S. states have the most veteran populations. Florida has 1.44 million, Texas has 1.46 million, and California has 1.56 million.
States with a higher population percentage (more than 10% of the adult population) of veterans are Virginia, Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, Maine, and Hawaii.
The remaining percentage of the 18.2 million veterans are scattered throughout the country.
Not all veterans fought in the war.
Image by Kim Heimbuch from Pixabay
Not all members of the military are sent to fight overseas. Some veterans serve the country during peacetime. They are military men and women who served in medical operations in poor communities, relief operations during natural disasters and protecting U.S. embassies.
It is also observed in SOME countries.
Image by Светлана Новикова from Pixabay
Other countries have their own versions of the Veterans Day. In the UK it is observed as the Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday. While in Canada, they celebrate it as Remembrance Day.
Veterans are well-educated.
Image by Olya Adamovich from Pixabay
Military men and women tend to have more education than those who are not. According to data, 27.7% of U.S. veterans have a bachelor’s degree and 37.1% have completed some college or associate degree.
A large number of military men end up with mental health issues.
Most veterans leave the military with a mental illness. The rates are alarmingly high. 20% of veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq end up with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or depression.
Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are considered to be the main causes of mental health issues.
Many veterans are homeless.
Around 11% of the adult homeless population are veterans. Around 40,000 veterans in the U.S. are homeless.
You can help veterans any day of the year.
There are many ways you can help or show your gratitude to a veteran. It could be accompanying them to the hospital or giving them a free meal. You can also help them by donating to several charitable institutions that support veterans.
Take this opportunity to observe this Veterans Day in a better way. Do not just post it on social media, but please do a small act of gratitude to show our veterans the honor they deserve for serving the country.
Image by Shonda Ranson from Pixabay
If this post has been helpful, feel free to share it on social media. You can also leave a comment below.
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