Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
November 11, 2007

Veterans Day Honors All Americans' Military Service
---------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1A363A9:A6F02AD83191E1601B18D1462CF50B267F0EB4B66EA3A89D In Washington,
many people observe the day by visiting the Vietnam War Memorial,
which was opened 25 years ago





A white dove emblem adorns the black beret of Elliot Adams, a member
of Vietnam Veterans for Peace (file)Sunday is Veterans Day in the
United States, a day to remember and celebrate those who have served
in the country's military.

In Washington, many people observe the day by visiting the Vietnam War
Memorial, which was opened 25 years ago.

The polished black granite wall at the memorial is engraved with the
names of more than 58,000 members of the U.S. military killed during
that conflict, and it honors the millions of Americans (2.7 million)
who served in Vietnam.

Later today, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place to honor
military veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery just outside
Washington.

In his weekly radio address to the nation, President Bush said America
owes a debt of gratitude to all who have served in the nation's armed
forces. 

Mr. Bush also said the nation has a duty to care for its veterans, and
he urged Congress to quickly pass a bill that would cover healthcare
and housing programs for former military members.

A study released last week from the public non-profit National
Alliance to End Homelessness found that former U.S. military personnel
now account for 25 percent of the nation's homeless population. 

The report also found that the homeless include young veterans who
have returned from fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Veterans Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1919, to
honor those who served in World War One.  It was then called Armistice
Day, marking the truce that ended the war on November 11, 1918.  The
day is also marked by many other nations around the world, where it is
known variously as Remembrance Day, Armistice Day and Veterans Day.

Although most memorial observances take place today, the U.S. federal
government is marking the Veterans Day holiday on Monday as is
customary when a holiday falls on a Sunday.




.