There are an estimated 15 million U.S. veterans in the United States, representing about 6% of the civilian population. At the least 15% of them are women and minorities.
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday for 71 years after President Dwight David Eisenhower declared it a National Holiday in 1954. Ever since then, what began as Armistice Day in 1919 as a commemoration of the end of World War I, has become an annual occurrence on November 11.
On June 6, 2025, the last living WWII veterans returned to Normandy to commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day. It was a pivotal event that marked the liberation of Europe. Since then, American forces have stood as the standard bearers of Democracy for the entire world.
Today, as America gives collective honor to those who have served, today’s veterans face s variety of challenges.
Recent statistics show that far too many veterans have committed suicide-more than the number killed in all the last major wars combined. Facilities for long term mental and physical health care are in short supply and veterans are still in limbo as they await the end of the ongoing governmental wrangling over health care and food supplements.
There is much to remember and reflect upon this Veterans Day, but even more that commands the nation’s full attention and commitment.
The Times Weekly
