VETERANS DAY 2022

On this Veterans Day 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays tribute to all Veterans who have bravely served to protect and defend our freedoms. This year we celebrate Veterans Day with a focus on Honor Flights. The Honor Flight Network was formed in 2005 with the mission of honoring the nation’s Veterans with an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to the courage and sacrifice of those that have served our nation.

As of September 2022, there are an estimated 18.6 million living Veterans (1), of which 78% served during Wartime. Of those who served during wartime, about 3% served in multiple war periods.  Gulf War Veterans are the largest cohort followed by Vietnam, Korean, and World War II Veterans.

The Honor Flight Network is currently serving Veterans from the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras. Additionally, they serve terminally ill Veterans of any service era. Since 2005, the Honor Flight Network has provided more than 250,000 Veterans with a trip to the nation’s capital, serving over 20,000 Veterans each year (2).  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Honor Flights were suspended from March 2020 through August 2021. For information on how to apply for an Honor Flight, please visit Honor Flight Network.

The VA is committed to serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans. This includes honoring Veterans with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our nation. 

The VA works with Veteran service groups, funeral industry partners, public administrators, and other concerned citizens to ensure the dignified burial of unclaimed Veterans. Unclaimed Veteran remains occur when Veterans pass away and are not claimed by relatives, friends, and/or a legal representative. 

Reimbursement may be available for the burial of an unclaimed Veteran. For more information, please visit Unclaimed Veteran Remains - National Cemetery Administration (va.gov).

VA encourages all Veterans to learn about VA programs and to apply for the benefits and services they have earned. Programs are administered through three VA administrations. Follow these links for detailed information, eligibility criteria and application instructions.