Veterans Day

Also known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a national American holiday that falls on November 11 or the nearest week day to the 11th. The holiday marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. Veterans Day is set aside as a holiday to honor combat veterans who fought and died for their country.Patriotism: Veterans' Day

President George W. Bush marked Veterans Day 2008 with a ceremony to rededicate the World War II U.S.S. Intrepid museum in Manhattan. The museum was reopening following a 19-month, $120 million renovation. President-elect Barack Obama laid a wreath at a U.S. soldier's memorial in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.FOX News: Nation Honors America's Troops on Veterans Day (November 11, 2008)

The annual National Veterans Day Ceremony was held in 2010. The ceremony was held at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony included laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, a parade of colors by veterans and speeches by dignitaries. There were also events such as parades, ceremonies and exhibits held nationwide to honor U.S. veterans.http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

President Barack Obama visited U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, speaking before 28,000 soldiers at the Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul. First lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance at a dinner for U.S. troops in Germany. She helped to serve the soldiers food at the dinner, which was held at the Ramstein Air Base's Officers Club. Vice President Joe Biden oversaw the formal ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40132006/ns/us_news-life/

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were nearly 24 million Americans listed as veterans in 2007. Of those, the vast majority—more than 9 million—were aged 65 and older. Nearly 8 million were veterans of the Vietnam War, and another 358,000 were veterans of both Vietnam and the Gulf War.U.S. Census Bureau: Veterans Day 2008: Nov. 11