Monday is the observation of Veterans Day. We all need to pause to honor and celebrate the men and women who stand in harm's way so we can live full and safe lives.

Every day dozens of men and women serving in Afghanistan return to the U.S. These veterans need our help.

8.7 million veterans 18-64 are in the labor force today.

Thousands more need jobs.

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.

Here are some important facts about America's service men and women:
· 21.2 million: The number of military veterans in the U.S.

· 1.6 million: The number of female veterans.

· 9.6 million: The number of veterans 65 and older. At the other end of the age spectrum, 1.8 million were
younger than 35.

· 7.4 million: Number of Vietnam-era veterans. 5.4 million served during the Gulf Wars); 1.6 million in World War II; and 2.3 million in the Korean War. 5.3 million served in peacetime only.

· Three states have 1 million or more veterans. They are California (1.9 million), Florida (1.6 million) and Texas (1.6 million).

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There will not be a day in our lifetimes when American men and women will not be out there defending us.

We owe these good people a lot.

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Robert L. Dilenschneider is founder and chairman of The Dilenschneider Group, a global public relations and communications consulting firm headquartered in New York City. The former CEO of Hill and Knowlton, Inc., he is also author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling "Power and Influence."