Celebrating Veterans Day

What is Veterans Day? 

Veterans Day, a national holiday held annually on November 11, honors members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in peace and wartime. Initially the holiday honored Great War veterans, as it commemorated the day an armistice was declared to cease hostilities in that conflict (November 11, 1918).

In 1954, the holiday was expanded to honor American veterans of all wars. Read more about the origins and history of Veterans Day. Some restaurants and retail stores offer veterans free meals and discounts on Veterans Day. Veterans also get free access to National Parks all year round.

San Jose Veterans Day Parade

The 106th San Jose Veterans Day Parade will take place Monday, November 11, 2024 in downtown San Jose starting at 12:00 PM. Follow the link for information about schedule, parking, and the parade route.

Resources for Veterans

Valuable resources for veterans and their families are listed below, as well as SJPL books and films about U.S. veterans and their stories.

San José Public Library Resources

Other Local and National Resources

Books, eBooks, and Films

Veterans' Stories

Books, ebooks and films about the experiences of United States veterans.












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