Veterans Day, celebrated every Nov. 11, is a day dedicated to honoring military veterans, individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
It originally began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I in 1918, but in 1954, it was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who fought in WWI.
In 2024, more than 17 million veterans live in the United States. These are people who have served in conflicts ranging from World War II to more recent ones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, despite their sacrifices, many veterans still face significant challenges in life.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, about 1.5 million veterans live in poverty and over 40,000 are homeless on any given night. Additionally, 20 veterans die by suicide every day, highlighting the mental health struggles many faces after their service.
Veterans Day is not just about remembering the past. It is about the people around us today who have served. Currently, veterans make up about 6.4% of the adult population in the U.S. and many of them continue to work in public service, law enforcement, or healthcare after their time in the military.
Veterans face unique problems when they return to civilian life. Unemployment rates for veterans are slightly higher compared to the general population.
Many also struggle with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues related to their service. The Veterans Affair (VA) is working to provide more healthcare services, but there is still room for improvement.
One of the best ways to honor veterans on this day is not just through ceremonies or parades, but by taking real action.
You can volunteer with organizations that help veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). You can also advocate for better mental health care and support services.
Veterans Day is a reminder that freedom and security come at a price and the people who pay that price deserve our respect, support and gratitude—not just once a year, but every day.
Damian Cerrillos, a student of Tracy High shows his appreciation towards the veterans of the community and their families
“It is very important to show respect to the veterans of the United States,” Cerrillos says. “Veterans day is a time of respect, gratitude, towards the people that served this country.”
Veterans day is an important acknowledgment of the diverse backgrounds within the veteran community. Many genders, races, ethnicities and personalities come from Veterans.
Veterans day recognizes the impact military service has on the families of the veterans too. Spouses, children and parents of veterans often face a lot of emotional impact due to their loved ones possible deployment.
During Veterans Day, people often do not think about the families of the people that went into the service, which gives the families less recognition than they deserve.
