Resolution Honors Veterans Day, Citing 15.8 Million Veterans and Affirming National Support

This resolution is essentially a formal nod to Veterans Day, detailing its history and affirming the nation’s commitment to supporting the people who have served in the U.S. military. It’s not a bill that writes new checks or changes benefits, but rather a document that recognizes the holiday, the service of veterans, and the sacrifices of their families.

The resolution walks us through the holiday’s evolution, noting that November 11th started as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I hostilities. After World War II and the Korean War, Congress updated it in 1954 to Veterans Day, making it a day to honor everyone who served, whether in wartime or peacetime. It’s a historical refresher that grounds the modern observance in its original purpose.

The Numbers Behind the Service

To put the scale of service into perspective, the resolution cites some striking statistics. It notes that over 41 million Americans have served since the country’s founding. More recently, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that in 2023, there were approximately 15.8 million Americans identified as veterans, covering those who served from World War II right up through the post-September 11th era. This isn't just a number; it’s a reminder that veterans are a massive, diverse group of people integrated into every community, every workplace, and every family across the country.

Affirming the Commitment

While this resolution doesn't create new policy, it formally affirms a couple of key points. First, it acknowledges the significant sacrifices made by veterans’ families—the spouses, children, and parents who hold things down while service members are deployed. Second, it explicitly states that veterans must continue to receive the services and support they deserve, recognizing the critical role that Veterans Service Organizations play in advocating for them. For the average person, this resolution reinforces the social contract: that service is recognized, and support for those who served is an ongoing national priority.

Ultimately, this document is a call for public observance, asking the people of the United States to recognize the heroic actions of veterans. It’s a formal, historical, and statistical acknowledgment of their contribution, ensuring that the significance of Veterans Day is clearly recorded in the legislative record.