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Veterans Day: Honoring their service
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A U.S. Flag flutters over a veteran’s memorial brick at the Veterans Park in downtown Palestine. Today marks the 91st observance of Veterans Day. CHRISTINA STEWART/Herald-Press
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For the past 91 years this country has set aside Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
The day was birthed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 at the end of World War I when hostilities ceased. The first official recognition of the day came a year later, in 1919 and was known as Armistice Day.
In 1938 Armistice Day became a federal holiday. Following the end of World War II, the name was changed to Veterans Day, in honor of the country’s military veterans who fought in all wars. On June 1, 1954 the name change to Veterans Day became official when the legislation was signed by President Dwight Eisenhower.
Here are some Veterans Day facts:
• There were 23.2 million veterans in the U.S. in 2008.
• Women account for 1.8 million veterans.
• Texas is home to 1.7 million veterans.
• 9.3 million veterans are 65 or older.
• Of the 16 million who served during World War II, 2.9 million remain.
• The last dependent of a Revolutionary War veteran died in 1911.
• The War of 1812’s last dependent died in 1946.
• The last dependent of the Mexican War died in 1962.
• There were 108 children and 125 widows of the Spanish-American War living in 2007.
• There are three children of Civil War Veterans who still draw VA benefits.
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