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. 

8.6%

The percentage of veterans in 2022 who were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Additionally, 72.3% of veterans were White alone (not Hispanic or Latino), 12.4% African American, 2.1% Asian American, 0.8% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 2.8% Some Other Race. The percentages include only those who reported a single race.