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Millions of people make considerable sacrifices to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens. According to the Pew Research Center and data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 18 million living veterans in the United States. The 2021 Census counted 461,240 veterans in Canada, according to Veterans Affairs Canada.

The term "veteran" refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, air service, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. In the U.S., there are actually five types of protected veterans, according to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran.

Veterans deserve respect and admiration all year long, but also get their own holiday each November. Veterans Day celebrates veterans' patriotism and willingness to sacrifice and serve. This Veterans Day, people can consider these eight unique ways to honor the veterans in their community.

1. Attend events. Organize or participate in local Veterans Day celebrations, such as parades and ceremonial events.

2. Get involved with veterans' affairs. Support veterans by volunteering with organizations that assist them, such as the VA, local veteran's groups, VA hospitals, or charities dedicated to veteran services.

3. Petition for veteran speakers. Reach out to schools, scout troops or other groups and arrange opportunities for veterans to share their stories and contributions. Learning about the sacrifices these men and women made can heighten individuals' appreciation for veterans.

4. Support the families of veterans. Reach out to veterans' families, who also must make sacrifices and concessions. Anything from shopping, babysitting, doing chores, or making a meal can help the families of veterans.

5. Make a donation. If finances allow, make contributions to reputable charities that provide services for veterans like those that offer mental health counseling or job placement services. If there isn't a charity that fits with your vision, begin one.

6. Hire veterans to work. If you are a business owner or hiring manager, consider hiring veterans for open positions at your company. It can be challenging to re-enter the workforce after service, so make it known that your firm welcomes veterans.

7. Offer personal acknowledgements. Take the time to speak to veterans and thank them for their service. If possible, when dining out, ask the server if you can pay for the meal of a veteran who also is dining that day.

8. Don't forget the fallen veterans. Although Memorial Day is designed to honor those who lost their lives through military service, people still can honor the fallen veterans on Veterans Day by sharing stories or placing flags at veteran cemeteries.

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, marking an opportunity to express one's gratitude and support for the scores of veterans who have served honorably.

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

If making your own Thanksgiving meal or getting an invite is not on the horizon this year, you may want to plan ahead. In a survey of 23 local restaurants and pizza eateries, three indicated they will be open for business.

McDonalds (601 S. Main St.) indicated a shortened schedule. Opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 11 a.m., they will then reopen at 4 p.m.

A spokesperson at Dairy Queen (604 S. Main St.) said, “we are always open.”

The only buffet in the area found to be open on Thanksgiving will be at Mamma Rosa’s. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jay C Food Stores may have their carry-out Thanksgiving meals this year.

Other suggestions would be to go to Joe Hubers Family Farm and Restaurant, 2421 Engle Road, Starlight, or drive to Clarksville and visit Bob Evans and Golden Corral. Note: Huber's Orchard and Winery,19816 Huber Rd., Borden, is always closed for Thanksgiving.

In addition to restaurants, free meals for the needy will be served November 9 at the First Baptist Church, located at 200 E. Walnut St., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Lastly, the Warming Station, located at 110 N. High St., will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal on November 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

If making your own Thanksgiving meal or getting an invite is not on the horizon this year, you may want to plan ahead. In a survey of 23 local restaurants and pizza eateries, only three indicated they will be open for business.

McDonalds (601 S. Main St.) indicated a shortened schedule. Opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 11 a.m., they will then reopen at 4 p.m. A spokesperson at Dairy Queen (604 S. Main St.) said, “we are always open.” The only buffet in the area found to be open on Thanksgiving was Mamma Rosa’s. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jay C may have their Thanksgiving meal packaged this year. Other suggestions would be to go to Huber's Orchard and Winery (19816 Huber Rd., Borden), or drive to Clarksville and visit Bob Evans and Golden Corral.

In addition to restaurants, free meals for the needy will be served November 9 at the First Baptist Church, located at 200 E. Walnut St., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Lastly, the Warming Station, located at 110 N. High St., will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal on November 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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David J. Adkins

United States Air Force

Served: January 1961 - 1965

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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.

Veteran Population

Did You Know?

15.8 million

The number of military veterans in the United States in 2023, representing 6.1% of the total civilian population age 18 and over.

1.7 million

The number of female veterans in the United States in 2023, representing 10.9% of the total veteran population.

0.6%

The share of veterans in 2023 who served during World War II. Additionally, 3.5% of veterans served during the Korean War; 33.0% during the Vietnam War; 24.8% during the Persian Gulf War; and 28.0% during the Post-9/11 period (September 2001 to present).

8.6%

The percentage of veterans in 2023 who were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Additionally, 72.2% of veterans were White alone (not Hispanic or Latino); 12.6% Black or African American alone; 2.0% Asian American alone; 0.8% American Indian or Alaska Native alone; 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander alone; and 2.8% Some Other Race alone. The percentages include only those who reported a single race.

27.9%

The share of veterans 75 and older in 2023. At the other end of the age spectrum, 8.3% of veterans were younger than age 35.

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All veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to DNR state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

Veterans and military personnel should simply let the gate attendant at the property they visit know that they are either a veteran or serving and on active duty.