Veterans Day Facts 2014: What's The Difference Between Veterans And Memorial Day?

Veterans Day is upon the country but there is a little confusion about the federal holiday. Some people mistake it for Memorial Day, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said. To clear up some of the misunderstandings, a list of facts has been compiled in honor of Veterans Day.

While Memorial Day pays tribute American service members who died or were injured during battle, Veterans Day honors American veterans -- whether they are alive or deceased-- but is especially about thanking living veterans who served during war or peacetime.

Veterans Day was originated 95 years ago on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I -- the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It originally was called Armistice Day until President Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday in 1954 so it would include all veterans, not just those from WWI.

In honor of Veterans Day, many schools and businesses are closed in observance. At stores and restaurants that are open, there are tons of sales and giveaways for veterans.

The first unknown solider was reburied at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 1921, the Latin Times reported. The tomb was inscribed: "Here rests in honored glory An American Soldier Known but to God."

Here are some quick statistics, courtesy of CNN and History.com:

-- Of the 23.2 million veterans in the United States, 1.6 million are females.

-- There are 9.3 million U.S. veterans more than 65 years of age.

-- There are nearly 40,000 veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War still living.

-- 6 million veterans served in peacetime.

-- 1.9 million veterans are less than 35 years of age.

-- There are five states that have more than 1 million veterans as residents: California (2.1 million), Florida (1.7 million), Texas (1.7 million), New York (1 million) and Pennsylvania (1 million).

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