Happy Veterans Day: The Contributions of Immigrant Service People

“I have witnessed time and again the bravery and valor of soldiers defending a country that they consider their adopted home. They are grateful for the opportunities the United States provides, and we are grateful for their sacrifices.”

Secretary Colin Powell in a letter to Congress in July 2006

Last year, the New American Economy Research Fund wrote in words that apply to immigrant veterans in 2020:

“Today is Veterans Day, a day that began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, and that was set aside every year thereafter to observe peace. After the Korean War, the date officially became a day to honor all military veterans. 

America isn’t the only nation that uses Nov. 11 to honor its veterans. Nor is it the only country to have immigrants serve in its military. However, what makes America stands out in this regard is that it has had so many immigrants to thank for their service. Today, nearly 900,000 immigrants are either veterans or active-duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

KJ