Veterans by the Numbers in the Home of Proud Americans

With Veterans Day approaching, the U.S. Census Bureau compiled a slew of facts and information about the holiday, beginning with how the day was established.

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 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Veterans by the Numbers

Population: The Census Bureau estimates there are 1,230 veterans in New Lenox out of a population of 16,662 over 18. There are 21.8 million veterans total in the U.S.

Mostly Men: 94.5 percent of local veterans are men. Across the U.S., 92.8 percent are men.

Where They Served: 34.3 percent of local veterans served in the Vietnam War. 22 percent were in the first Gulf War, 9 percent in World War II and 7.5 percent in the Korean War. About 2.3 percent have served in Post-9/11 wars. The remainder served in peace time or during multiple wars. Overall, 35 percent of living veterans served during the Vietnam Era.

Education Level: Locally, 34.4 percent of veterans have at least a bachelor's degree. That's above the national average. Further, 30 percent of veterans in New Lenox have an associate's degree or some college.

More information: The Census Bureau doesn't have local specifics for other veteran-related data, including income, disability status and more. For other facts about veterans at the national level, read below:

• To find more information from the U.S. Census Bureau, go to the American FactFinder website.
• Check out the Patch Places directory listings for the local and .