From Uniform to Golden Years: Celebrating Our Senior Veterans

As we approach Veterans Day, it’s important to take a moment and recognize a remarkable group of people who helped defend and shape our country – seniors. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of all veterans are at least 65 years old, and their valor, resilience, and selfless spirit continue to inspire us all. Let’s take some time to learn more about the history of this special holiday, and how we can continue to celebrate all the aging veterans who gave so much to this country.

The History of Veterans Day

While the first official Veterans Day was in 1954, the holiday’s origins date back decades earlier when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. This date marked the first anniversary of when the Allies and Germany agreed to end military operations and work on an official peace treaty for World War I. In 1938, Nov. 11 was declared a legal holiday to honor the veterans of World War I.

Over time, there was a movement to have Armistice Day represent all Veterans instead of just those who fought in WWI. World War II veteran Raymond Weeks personally petitioned then Army Chief of Staff, General Dwight D. Eisenhower to adopt this change, and Weeks’ hometown of Birmingham, Alabama held the first official Veterans Day in 1947.  

Weeks’ idea gained popularity, and U.S. Representative Ed Rees of Kansas presented a bill to Congress proposing a national shift from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The bill was signed into law on May 26, 1954. Appropriately, President Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation later that year, seven years after Weeks first came to him about adopting the holiday that we know today.

How Many Senior Veterans are in the U.S.?

The U.S. Census Bureau report estimates that there are 8.1 million veterans who are 65 years or older. These veterans served over the course of several decades. In fact, a 2023 Pew Research Center survey reported how many living veterans served in each war.

• 5.6 million living veterans (30%) served during the Vietnam War
• 767,000 veterans who served during the Korean conflict
• Fewer than 120,000 served during World War II

Something else the Census report discovered was that the number of older veterans has declined in the past few decades. The number of veterans aged 65 or older dropped from 9.7 million to 8.1 million since 2000, but seniors make up a higher percentage of total veterans. This trend is largely because there were simply more active military members in the 1950s, ’60s, and ‘70s and fewer younger veterans joining their ranks in recent years.

How We Can Celebrate Our Aging Veterans

While veterans bravely served their country in the past, they can face other challenges in the future. A study in the National Library of Medicine found that 56.9% of veterans reported feeling lonely, which is why our continued support can make a world of difference for these seniors. Here are a few meaningful ways that you can honor and celebrate our senior veterans.

• Thank them. Sometimes the simplest way to show your appreciation is the best. Try visiting, calling, or sending a care package to a loved one or other veterans to thank them for their service.
• Continue their stories. Take time to sit with veterans and hear their stories if they’re comfortable talking about their experiences. You can even participate in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project to help share your loved one’s legacy for future generations.
• Recognize them in your community. Many communities hold Veterans Day parades or have local memorials for these heroes. Try attending some of these events, enjoying a local luncheon, or checking out an exhibit to show your gratitude.
• Volunteer. Show your support by helping out a veteran organization or event. Consider volunteering for your local Veterans Day parade, a nearby Veterans Affairs facility, or some other event or organization.
• Support charity. There are a variety of charities that strive to support aging veterans across the country in ways ranging from building homes to training service dogs. Find a charity that resonates with you and consider donating to help them give back to our veteran community.

Do you know a senior veteran who is in need? National Church Residences has more than 300 housing communities in 25 states to help seniors find the right place where they can live their ideal lifestyle and stay connected. Find a community that’s close to you or give us a call at 844-465-6063 to talk to one of our friendly staff members today.

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