By Jennifer Schultz
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied Nations and Germany in the First World War.
Commemorated as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson the following year, Nov. 11 was officially recognized by Congress as a federal holiday in 1938. Following World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 an effort to recognize veterans of all wars.
Today, Veterans Day honors all American veterans, living and dead, who served their country during both war and peacetime. The day is celebrated with parades and speeches, as well as a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Approximately 22 million veterans live in the U.S., according to 2012 Census data. Of this number, 2.8 million served in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Veterans live in all 50 states and territories with the largest number in California, Florida and Texas. Alaska and Montana have the highest percentage of veterans per capita.
Many veterans have a tough time making the transition to civilian life. Finding a job, obtaining education benefits and housing can all be a challenge, especially for disabled veterans.
According to a 2012 survey of veterans from all eras, 64 percent of respondents said they had a difficult transition from military service to civilian life, attributed largely to employment challenges. Veterans offer a unique set of skills, experiences and leadership abilities developed and honed during their years of military service, yet unemployment rates for veterans remain high. Veterans often have trouble identifying transferable skills, self-marketing and adjusting to cultural barriers.
As more and more veterans return home, states are focused on programs to ensure that they receive the resources and information they need to make a smooth transition.
A new NCSL webpage describes various policy options that states have considered in recent years to address the needs of returning veterans and their families. Topics covered include employment, education, access to benefits, housing and mental health.
Jennifer Schultz is a policy associate in NCSL's Environment, Energy and Transportation program. She staffs the NCSL Task Force on Military and Veterans Affairs.
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