Today is Nov. 11, 2011. Yes, 11/11/11. But, more importantly, today is Veteran's Day.
To commemorate the day and the quirky calendar distinction this year, here are 11 Veteran's Day facts, courtesy of the University of Connecticut Library.
1. Veteran's Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I.
2. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.
3. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veteran's Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.
4. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation.
5. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
6. There are about 21.8 million veterans in the United States.
7. There are about 1.6 million female veterans in the U.S.
8. Of the living veterans, 54,000 served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam era.
9. Of the living veterans, 837,000 served during both Gulf War eras.
10. Of the living veterans, 211,000 served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam era.
11. Of the living veterans, 147,000 served during both World War II and the Korean War.
How are you planning to honor a veteran today? You can upload pictures of veterans who are close to you on Patch.
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