Today is Veterans Day, originating on this date in 1919 on the first anniversary of the end of World War I — then known as Armistice Day. In 1954, its name was changed to Veterans Day, and its scope widened to honor veterans from all eras. Across the country, there are over 21 million military veterans. Very nearly half — 9.6 million — are age 65 and older. The veteran population includes 1.6 million women. More than 7 million are Vietnam vets, 2.3 million from Korea, and only 1.5 million remain from the 16 million in uniform during World War II. Some 5 million are veterans of both of the recent Gulf Wars. You can find more facts about America’s people, places and economy from the American Community Survey at www.census.gov.