Veterans Day

November 11, 2009

You may Listen or download this story in .mp3 format. or as a .wav file

Profile America — Wednesday, November 11th. Today we observe Veterans Day, and across the country events we will honor the men and women who have served their country so we may all live in peace and security. This holiday has added meaning, with many members of the uniformed services on duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Originally, the observance was known as Armistice Day, and marked the end of World War I. By the time of the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans Day to include all who had served in the armed forces. There are just over 23 million veterans in the U.S. The largest number, nearly 8 million, served during the Vietnam War. There are close to 3 million surviving World War II vets and 3 million from the Korean War. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 546, 547
U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB09-FF.21
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/014342.html