Veterans are men and women who have served (even for a short time), but are not currently serving, on active duty in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard, or who served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. People who served in the National Guard or Reserves are classified as veterans only if they were ever called or ordered to active duty, not counting the 4-6 months for initial training or yearly summer camps.
Source: United States Census Bureau. (2021, December 3). Veterans Glossary. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/topics/population/veterans/about/glossary.html
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Veterans Day is a legal holiday, observed annually, on November 11, honoring those who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces during times of war or peace. Veterans Day is often observed across the United States with parades, ceremonies, and other traditions. One particular, national tradition is the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier held at Arlington National Cemetery.
History.com Editors. (2009, October 14). Veterans Day 2022. History. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day