Veterans Day, November 11, is a day to celebrate and honor those who have served in all branches of the Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day because of the Armistice signed on November 11, 1918, the ‘11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month’ that ended World War 1. In 1954, Congress amended the Act of 1938 to strike the word ‘Armistice’ and renamed the holiday Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. Not to be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those service members who have died serving their country or as a result of injuries received during battle, Veterans Day is a day to recognize and thank living veterans who have honorably served in the military.
According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently around 19 million US veterans. The department estimates that this number will decline to around 12.5 million veterans by 2046 with an expected change in the demographic profile of those veterans. By 2046, the number of female veterans is expected to increase to about 18% (currently 11%) and the percentage of Hispanic and Black veterans is expected to increase to 16% and 15%, up from current percentages of 8% and 13% respectively.
This Veterans Day (and throughout the year) consider taking the time to not only thank a veteran, but to engage in a conversation about their service. Invite a veteran to speak at an event you are involved with to share their story and what serving meant to them. Attend one of the many Veterans Day events that may be happening in your community. The following are a few occurring on-campus and in the local community:
- Veterans Week Pancake Breakfast kickoff event at 9am on Monday, November 8. UNC Veterans Services and Marcus Garvey Cultural Center have partnered for some good food, good friends, and good fun. Register here.
- Veteran’s Day Grill Out at Noon on Thursday, November 11 at Veterans Services in the Roudebush Cottage.
- Veterans Day Yoga on Thursday, November 11 at Sacred Space Yoga; classes at 12pm, 5:30pm, and 6:45pm will be free for veterans
- Loveland Veterans Day Parade at 11:11 a.m. on November 11 at 4th Street and Railroad Avenue and will travel northwest and end at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park.
- Wreaths Across America – the City of Greeley will participate in this nationwide event by placing wreaths on the graves of veterans at Linn Grove Cemetery on December 18.
Take Action:
- 8 Ways to Express Appreciation on Veterans Day
- Attach the Veterans Day design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DDEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
