On Saturday November 11, it’s Veterans Day. The day is set aside to honor all military veterans who have served in the military and includes those currently in the military serving all over the globe. The number of U.S. veterans is estimated to be around 19 million as of this year, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, representing just over 7% of the total U.S. adult population. The veteran population has been declining for the last decade or so due to aging and a reduction in military personnel.
According to a recent Pew Research Center article published this year, 72% of Americans view veterans’ benefits and services as a priority. In fact, that majority contains equal shares of support among Democrats and Republicans. The vast majority support an increase in spending for veterans’ benefits and services. Those in elected office and those campaigning for government office would be well advised to support spending increases where veterans’ needs are concerned.
One reason veterans may not occupy the priority status they once had in Congress is there are fewer elected officials with prior military experience. The current Congress has only 18.4% of its members with previous military service. In 1975, the Senate had 81% of its members with prior service. House members reached a peak of 75% with prior service experience in 1967.
Over the next 25 years the number of living veterans will decline by about 35% from approximately 19 million to 12.5 million veterans. The demographic will also become more diverse with an increase of female and Hispanic veterans.
What are ways to honor veterans on November 11? One of the best ways to honor veterans on this day is to attend a Veterans Day event. The Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County invite the community to join them for Veterans Week 2023. There are many events taking place to participate in. From November 6 -11 Governor’s State University will recognize veterans at with a Veterans Resource Fair and Games Nov 9th, 11am -1pm the community is invited for more info visit veterans@govst.edu. Joliet Central High School will have a program on November 9 – veterans Day Program at 2:20 at the Joliet Central High School.
Showing appreciation for a veteran’s service doesn’t need to be limited to one day a year. There are several ways to show appreciation for a veteran’s service. Talk to a friend or family member who is a veteran. Ask them what they did in the military. Also, it is important to respect their silence if they choose not to talk about their experience. Let your children and grandchildren know about veterans and their service. Don’t be shy about thanking a veteran for their service.
There are also many businesses willing to share a bit of themselves on Veterans Day. Many offer merchandise discounts year-round. One of the business benefits being offered to veterans comes from an old familiar one. Approved veterans can shop the online military post exchanges, including ShopMyExchange.com! Shopping with the Exchange online gives you access to exclusive military pricing and offers, tax-free shopping and more. This is a lifelong benefit that will be extended to all who discharge honorably from service.
In order to take advantage of this benefit you must be an eligible veteran. To check your eligibility, go to www.vetverify.org and submit the verification form. Let veterans you come in contact with be aware of this valuable benefit. It’s only available online. The advantage? NO sales tax, competitive pricing, free shipping and they match best price.
Other Veteran Day events are below:
2023 Will County Veterans Day Events
Nov 4 – Veterans Appreciation Breakfast 9-11 am at the Plainfield Township Community Center
Nov 6-11 – Governor’s State “Veteran’s Week”
Nov 6 – Deadline to submit Veterans’ photos and storied that will be displayed in the IL stat Capitol Rotunda from Nov 7-
20. Email a photo and written story (Max 250 words) along with military information to VeteransDay@sgop.ilga.gov Nov 9 – Governor’s State University Military Bingo 11am – 1PM at the lakeside lounge: Resource fair and Games in the
Hall of Governors
Nov 9 – Veterans Day Ceremony at 2:20 at the Joliet Central High School
Nov 10-11 – Our Veterans Day Program will take place at the Barnes & Noble College Auditorium at Prairie State College
Conference Center
Nov 10 – Stone City VFW Veterans Appreciation Breakfast from 8:30 – 10:30am Nov 11 – Prairie State University Open House where there is an opportunity to engage with students, faculty and staff as well as visiting academic spaces and tour labs. Also in attendance will be representatives from Jesse Brown VA to share information about the Caregiver Program and a place to conduct intakes. Veterans will receive a gift. Bring your DD214,
VA ID or state veteran ID card.
Nov 11 – University Park Veterans’ Day Ceremony: 11am at Village Hall.
Nov 11 – Lockport American Legion Post 18 Veteran’s Lunch from 11-2
Nov 11 – Natalie Coleman Veteran’s Day Breakfast 9-11am. 310 N Ottawa St Nov 11 – Veterans’ Day Parade: This year it will start at the Richton Park Metra Station parking lot, working its way west
on Sauk Trail, ending with a commemoration celebration at Rich Township HS.
Nov 11 – VFW Cantigny post 367 Veterans dinner 4-7:30pm
Nov 11 – Bolingbrook VFW Post 5917 and American Legion Post 1288 will be hosting Veterans Day Ceremony at
6:30PM. It will be held at the Bolingbrook Village Hall (Veterans’ Memorial outside of Town Center) 375 West Briarcliff
Rd Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Nov 11 – American Legion Post 935 will have their Veterans’ Dinner. Veterans’ resources will be available Nov 11 – American Legion Post 1080: Taps and the firing of rifles by the Honor Squad from Abraham Lincoln National cemetery. Veterans who served in WWII and Korea will be the guest speakers this year. The National Champion
American Legion Band will be performing also. We will be having an open house after the event. Nov 18 – Romeoville American Legion Post 52 will be hosting their annual Veterans’ Luncheon starts at noon. At Grand
Haven 1520 W Grand Haven Rd, Romeoville, IL
