The following is a cross-post from the U.S. Census Bureau

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served the country in war or peace. On this day, the nation honors military veterans with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The following facts are possible thanks to the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping us measure America’s people, places and economy.  

Veteran Population

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18.2 million

The number of military veterans in the United States from 2015-2019.

1.6 million

The number of female veterans in the United States from 2015-2019.

1.7%

The percentage of veterans from 2015-2019 who were Asian Americans. Additionally, 77.2% were non-Hispanic White; 6.9% Hispanic or Latino (of any race); 11.9% African American; 0.8% American Indian or Alaska Native; 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 1.3% were Some Other Race. (The numbers include only those reporting a single race.)

23.5%

The percentage of veterans ages 75 and older from 2015-2019. At the other end of the age spectrum, 8.8% were younger than age 35.

For more information on our America's Veteran population, please see the latest Facts for Features: Veterans Day 2021.