Veterans Day 2016: A Look at Chicago-Area Veterans

CHICAGO — The 97th Veterans Day is observed today.

First known as Armistice Day, in 1919 it marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a 1926 resolution to make Nov. 11 an annual day of observance, and it became a national holiday 12 years later.

President Dwight Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954, according to History.com.

There are more than 350,000 veterans living in the Chicago area, according to the U.S. Census, with some having served prior to World War II.

Across the state, there are about 600,000 veterans. Most, more than 220,000, served during the Vietnam era, the Census says. There are about 175,000 veterans who served in the Middle East dating back to 1990.

Most veterans living in Illinois — more than 171,000 — are between the ages of 65 and 74, according to the Census. More than 152,000 are 75 or older.

Of the 50 states, Illinois had the 45th highest percentage of veterans with 6.1 percent.

photo via Patch archive