Veteran’s Day is an opportunity unlike any other to honor, thank, and appreciate all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Whether it be the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, or Space Force, this holiday helps ensure veteran contributions are recognized.

History of Veteran’s Day

Originally called Armistice Day, November 11th, 1918, marked the end of World War l. Exactly one year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following statement: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

On October 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation to change Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day in order to be inclusive of those who have served at any time, not just during the first World War.

Eisenhower stated, “In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

On June 28, 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veteran’s Day to the fourth Monday in October, but it didn’t come into effect until 1971. In 1975, Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11th, due to its historical significance. It has remained celebrated on this day since.

Globally Australia, Canada, France, and Great Britain, also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11th. Canada has Remembrance Day, while Great Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of each November). In Commonwealth countries, such as Europe and Great Britain, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.

Interesting Facts*

• Out of all veterans, 78% served during wartime, with only 22% serving only in peacetime.
• Texas has the most veterans, with over 1.5 million residents served.
• Alaska has the highest percentage, with over 11% of their population having served.
• In office, 18% of the House of Representatives members have served, and 20% of the Senate have.
• Women only made up only 4% in the veteran population in the year 2000, but are expected to make up 18% of such in 2040.

*All according to USA Facts.*

Interview of a Veteran

Duane Mead, is a resident of Pueblo who served in the U.S. Navy from May of 1966 to April 1970, is one of these veterans that the holiday commemorates.

The training that he did varied, going to many different schools along the way. He learned how to scuba dive then went to submarine school in New London, Connecticut. To qualify for submarines you had to go to a dive intake, being pressurized 50 pounds per square inch. He also went to the Polaris school to learn about the launching of a missile on a nuclear submarine, and then from there being assigned to the U.S.S. Robert E. Lee submarine, being stationed in Holylock, Scotland.

His jobs in the Navy varied, relatively for a launch technician working on Polaris missile, working on nuclear head torpedos, or not so choice worthy tasks such as getting rid of the waste in sanitary tanks.

“I learned about a lot of systems on the submarine, including electric, pneumatic, hydraulics, reactors, miscellaneous regarding every type of missile, but also following orders and learning to do your job at the highest potential,” Mead said, when asked about what he learned during his time in the Navy.

His proudest moment while serving is when he was handed his Dolphins from the commander of his ship, meaning he had been qualified for his nuclear submarine, essentially one of the highest honors for those in submarine service.

Duane’s final comment on Veteran’s Day was,  “I respect all the individuals who served our country, and appreciate all their contributions, especially admiration for those who didn’t make it home.”

Events in Pueblo to Honor Veteran’s Day

• Veteran’s Day Parade: The 24th Annual Veterans Day Parade took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in downtown Pueblo.
• Riverwalk Celebration: The Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center will host an event at the Pueblo Riverwalk, November 11th from 11 a.m. to noon, featuring a flyover, veteran speeches, and lunch.
• Pueblo Zoo Military Weekend: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekend of Veterans Day, the zoo offered free admission to active duty military, veterans, and their dependents with a valid ID.
• Pride and Patriotism: Pueblo D60 honored Veterans Day through its annual “Pride and Patriotism” event, featuring student artwork, music, and writing that paid tribute to veterans.