us
Published November 11, 2020
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Here's a look at Veterans Day, a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the US armed forces.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
It's celebrated annually on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Bloomberg/Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images
There are 19.5 million veterans in the United States, according to the most recent statistics available.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
More than 9 million veterans are over the age of 65.
Joe Raedle/Getty Image
There are approximately 2 million veterans who are women.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Veterans Day originally began as Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation in 1919.
Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images
"In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting the word 'Veterans.' ... With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
Getty Images/File
In 1968, Congress changed the date of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October in order to give federal employees a three-day weekend. The change began in 1971.
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
Then in 1975, President Gerald Ford changed the date of Veterans Day back to November 11. The change began in 1978.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
But Veterans Day, a federal holiday, should not be confused with Memorial Day.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Celebrated the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is the holiday set aside to pay tribute to those who died serving in the military.
Stefan Zaklin/Getty Images
And just for good measure (because believe it or not, we've seen folks thanking troops on Labor Day): The first Monday in September is Labor Day, which honors the contributions of all American workers, not just the military.
Getty Images