Many posts have discussed veterans.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of 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. Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime. On this day, the nation honors military veterans — living and dead — with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy.
Veteran Population
15.7 million
The number of military veterans in the United States in 2025, representing 5.9% of the total civilian population age 18 and over.
0.3%
The share of veterans in 2025 who served during World War II. Additionally, 2.3% of veterans served during the Korean War, 30.9% during the Vietnam War, 25.6% during the Persian Gulf War, and 31.4% during the Post-9/11 period (September 2001 to present).
30.5%
The share of veterans age 75 and older in 2025. At the other end of the spectrum, 8.4% of veterans were under age 35.
