10 Interesting Facts You Need to Know About Veterans Day in the U.S.

Veterans Day in the US is celebrated each year on November 11, and for this year's observance, celebrations and activities have started in different parts of the country.

Here are 5 significant dates/years you need to know about Veterans Day in the U.S.

November 11, 1919 – the country commemorated the 1st anniversary of the end of World War 1, and this day was known as the “Armistice Day” - the origin of Veterans Day.

November 11, 1938 – Armistice Day became a national holiday to be observed annually, courtesy of a Congress resolution passed in 1926

1954 – President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from “Armistice Day” to "Veterans Day"

1971 – In accordance with the Uniform Holidays Bill passed by Congress in 1968, the observance of Veterans Day was moved to the 4th Monday of October

1978 – Observance of Veterans Day shifted back to November 11, courtesy of President Ford's signing of Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), in 1978.

Here are 5 significant details about veterans and/or Veterans Day.

Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington Cemetery - On November 11, 1921, an American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington. His identity was unknown (and his grave site is what we know as today as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). Every year on November 11, the president or a high-ranking member of the government lays a wreath on his grave.

Inscription written on the Tomb: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.

Memorial Day – Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. The Department of Veterans Affairs explains:

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military —in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty.

Free/Discounted Meals for Veterans – A report by The Inquisitr says every year on Veterans Day, dozens of popular chain restaurants, including Olive Garden, Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, Boston Market, Golden Corral, and Cracker Barrel offer free meals, appetizers, and/or desserts to veterans and active members of the U.S. Military. Most offers are valid on Wednesday, November 11, and almost all restaurants require proof of service, including a U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, or a Veterans Organization Card.

Give An Hour, one of many organizations that support veterans and their families, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mental health services free of charge to U.S. troops and their families. Mental health professionals volunteer to treat patients free of charge, and once their treatment is completed, troops and their family are encouraged to give back to their community by volunteering with a nonprofit organization in their area.

Statistics on veteran population - The 2014 Veteran Population Projection includes not only the living civilian Veterans but also Veterans who are currently serving in the military. Due to the latest data enhancements, the VetPop2014 projected more living Veterans in the future compared to VetPop2011. Overall, while the male Veteran population steadily decreases, woman and minority Veteran population are projected to increase over the next 30 years. Another noticeable trend for the Veteran population is the projected higher growths in the Southern and Western regions.

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