Nov 8, 2024 - News
When New Orleans-area veterans served in the military
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Most veterans who live in metro New Orleans served during the Vietnam War era, according to 2023 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The big picture: The Gulf War was the second-most popular timeframe, followed by September 2001 or later, the census says.
- World War II vets represent the smallest percentage locally, which is in line with national numbers.
- In 2013, WWII vets made up 6.7% of veterans nationally. Now, it's down to 0.6%, the census says.
Caveat: The periods of service are not mutually exclusive, with some veterans serving during more than one conflict.
Zoom out: There were 15.8 million veterans nationally in 2023, the census says, representing 6.1% of the adult population in the U.S. Go deeper.
State of play: Veterans Day started in 1919 on the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
- It honors military veterans living and dead.
These activities are planned in the metro for Veterans Day.
- Jefferson Parish hosts its annual commemoration at 10am Friday in Lakeside Shopping Center. (Details)
- The New Orleans Veterans Day parade rolls at 11am Saturday on Harrison Avenue in Lakeview. (Details)
- The National WWII Museum hosts a commemoration ceremony at 11am Monday. It will be live-streamed. Vets also get free admission Monday. (Details)
- Legion of Mars serves free food to patients at the New Orleans VA Medical Center on Monday. Volunteers are welcome. There will be a wheelchair football game around noon. (Details)