VETERANS DAY

History

Veterans Day

For 100 years, Americans have remembered those who in uniform on 11 November – first as Armistice Day, and then, since 1954 as Veterans Day.

10/12/1954 Eisenhower published a proclamation in the Federal Register, instructing citizens to recognize Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

• “On that day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.

• Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day.

A veteran (from Latin vetus, meaning "old") is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field. A military veteran is a person who has served or is serving in the armed forces.

Numbers: 21 Million veterans

2 Million women veterans

6.5% of U.S. population (1% Women; 12% men)

820,000 PA veterans

Of 16 million WW2 vets, 620,000 still alive

12 major wars; numerous smaller conflicts

407,300 US military killed in WW II

73,000 buried in 12 European Cemeteries

50 % of men over 75 are veterans

3.4% of 18-34 year old males are veterans

• 9 million served during Vietnam era (9.7%)

• 2.7 million served in country

• 25 % were drafted; 30% of KIA were draftees

• Five killed were 16 years old. The oldest was 62.

• 58,148 killed, 61% were younger than 21 years old.