Veterans Day, by the numbers

November 11, 11:45 AMLouisville City Hall ExaminerThomas McAdam

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As we celebrate Veterans Day today, it might be helpful to review the statistical context of American military veterans within our greater population. The U.S. Census Bureau has compiled some interesting facts and figures about our veterans and their place in society:

23.2 million: The number of military veterans in the United States.

1.8 million: The number of female veterans.

2.3 million: The number of black veterans.

9.2 million: The number of veterans 65 and older.

1.9 million: The number of veterans younger than 35.

7.8 million: Number of Vietnam-era veterans.

  (Poster:  U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs)

26%: Percent of veterans 25 and older with at least a bachelor's degree.

15.8 million: Number of veterans who voted in the 2008 presidential election.

$36,779: Annual median income of veterans.

10.4 million: Number of veterans 18 to 64 in the labor force.

5.5 million: Number of veterans with any type of disability.

3.4 million: Number of veterans with a service-connected disability rating.

2.9 million: Number who received compensation for service-connected Disabilities.

   (Poster:  U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs)

Kentucky’s governor, Steve Beshear, proclaimed: “Men and women of the United States have been defending our rights and our freedoms for over 230 years. Today, on Veterans Day, we honor our veterans and say thanks to them.

It’s appropriate to pause to reflect on the actions of those who have knowingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country and our way of life. In truth, one day for more than two centuries of service and sacrifice is not nearly enough to express the gratitude of an entire nation. We must remember our veterans every day.

With the tragedy at Fort Hood last week, the importance of honoring both veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces and National Guard weighs heavily on hearts and minds across the Commonwealth. Our thoughts and prayers are with the millions of selfless heroes to whom our country is indebted and to their families who have shared in their sacrifice.

On behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I want to thank all veterans. Your selflessness and courage are inspiring to us all.”
 

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. --George Orwell

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