Veterans Day, held annually on November 11, honors members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in peace and wartime. Initially called Armistice Day, the holiday honored Great War veterans, as it commemorated the ceasefire ending hostilities in the First World War. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day and expanded to honor all American veterans. Read more about the holiday's origins and history. Some restaurants and retail stores offer veterans free meals and discounts on Veterans Day. Veterans also get free access to all National Parks year round.
The 107th San Jose Veterans Day Parade will begin at noon on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in downtown San Jose. Follow the link for information about schedule, parking, and the parade route.
Valuable resources for veterans and their families are listed below, as well as SJPL books and films about U.S. veterans and their stories.
Local and National Resources
- CalVet
- County of Santa Clara Office of Veterans Services
- Coalition to Salute America's Heroes
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- The Military Wallet
- Wounded Warrior Project
San José Public Library Resources
- Participants in the Veterans of Life Write online program have shared their stories in film, presented their poetry live and virtually, and have published a book, Veterans of Life Write.
- Register for SJPL's Veterans of Life Write online events.
Books, eBooks and Films
Books, eBooks and films about the experiences of U.S. veterans.
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