November 11th, 2024
Web site: | http://www.va.gov/OPA/vetsday/ |
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11. Originally called Armistice Day, this federal holiday was established to honor Americans who had served in World War I, but it now honors veterans of all wars in which the U.S. has fought. Veterans' organizations hold parades, and the president places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the more than 20 million veterans living in the country, more than a million have served in multiple wars. Veterans now live all across America, but some areas have higher concentrations. States with the highest number of veterans — more than one million — include California, Texas and Florida.
All citizens are urged to celebrate the veterans in their lives through parades, community service and remembrance. Metro's Creative Library is chock full of images to showcase patriotism and respect for veterans.