11.11.24 – Honoring Our Veterans 2024

APFA Honors Our Veterans

Monday, November 11, 2024

In 1938, legislation was made to make November 11 a legal holiday each year for Veterans. Originally, it was known as Armistice Day. It was a day dedicated to world peace and held in honor of the veterans of World War I. In 1954 Congress changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day. They wanted to honor the veterans of all wars, including World War II and the Korean War. In October of 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation.

Veterans Statistics:

• As of 2024, there are approximately 17.9 million living veterans in the United States, which represents about 6% of the country’s adult population.
• The estimated number of women veterans is 2.1 million.
• The median age of the veteran population is currently 62 years.
• In 2024, about 7.0% of veterans (approximately 1.3 million) are aged 85 and older.
• Overall, 79.3% of veterans served during wartime, while 20.7% served during peacetime
• Gulf War veterans make up the largest share of all veterans; in 2024, 50.1% will have served during the Gulf War era.
• Additionally, 28.7% of veterans are Vietnam War veterans, 2.5% served during the Korean Conflict, and 0.4% served during World War II.
• In 2024, nearly half (49.8%) of veterans reside in ten states: Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, New York, and Illinois. By 2053, it is projected that 52.3% of veterans will live in Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Arizona, Washington, and Tennessee.
• Homelessness affects 11% of veterans. Among those experiencing homelessness, 50% also live with a mental illness, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Throughout history, the brave United States Armed Forces members have fought to secure our freedoms in wartime and peace. We honor and thank all veterans, including our APFA members, who have served and continue to serve in combat. We thank you for your dedication and sacrifice to our nation.