Honoring and Helping Our Heroes
Veterans Day
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 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime. On this day, the nation honors military veterans — living and dead — with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Did You Know?
15.8 million
The number of military veterans in the United States in 2023, representing 6.1% of the total civilian population age 18 and over.
1.7 million
The number of female veterans in the United States in 2023, representing 10.9% of the total veteran population.
0.6%
The share of veterans in 2023 who served during World War II. Additionally, 3.5% of veterans served during the Korean War; 33.0% during the Vietnam War; 24.8% during the Persian Gulf War; and 28.0% during the Post-9/11 period (September 2001 to present).
8.6%
The percentage of veterans in 2023 who were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Additionally, 72.2% of veterans were White alone (not Hispanic or Latino); 12.6% Black or African American alone; 2.0% Asian American alone; 0.8% American Indian or Alaska Native alone; 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander alone; and 2.8% Some Other Race alone. The percentages include only those who reported a single race.
27.9%
The share of veterans 75 and older in 2023. At the other end of the age spectrum, 8.3% of veterans were younger than age 35.
Resource Form
Veteran Assistance Commission of Vermilion County
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Vermilion County (VACVC) was formed by the Veterans Organizations with Posts or Detachments situated in Vermilion County in 2019 and funded to operate beginning in Fiscal Year 2020. Although funded by Illinois Law, Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 330, Section 45/1, et seq. through Property Tax Levy of the County of Vermilion, the VACVC is a separate and distinct unit of local government, authorized to function as a central service office of the Veterans Organization for the purpose of assisting military Veterans and their eligible family members with navigating the process of accessing benefits at the local, state, and federal levels.
More information on VACVC
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
The Salvation Army provides financial and support services to Veterans and Veteran Families through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. SSVF is a housing stability-focused service delivery program for very low-income Veteran families throughout Central Illinois. This program will serve Veteran families that are homeless or imminently at-risk of being homeless.
The goal is to stabilize these families in housing, while providing on-going support as needed to sustain independent living.
More information at SSVF
VA Illiana Healthcare System
VA Illiana Healthcare System offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans at 6 locations serving a 30-county area of central Illinois and west-central Indiana. Click on a service below for more details like which clinic or medical center offers that service.
More information at VA Illiana
Cannon Place
Cannon Place facility is a development for homeless veterans and their families. The community is comprised of 65 units of affordable and supportive including accessible and adaptable one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The development is designed to maximize the number of housing opportunities in the area for those who have served our country. The 20-acre property is located in a beautiful setting on the campus of the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Illinois, and is within walking distance of the Danville Area Community College.
More information at Cannon Place
DACC Veterans Services
DACC offers services for veteran’s from a lounge area, educational benefits, and financial aid information.
More information at DACC Veteran Services
WorkOne West Central Indiana
Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialists (DVOPs) are based in WorkOne offices and are dedicated to helping Veterans and eligible spouses receive all the services they need.
Veteran services are designed to assist Veterans* and /or eligible Spouses* to find and secure suitable employment and make the transition from the military to the civilian workforce.
More information at WorkOne West Central Indiana
Mission K9 Warrior
Veteran suicide is at an all time high. A mission to stop this epidemic is why “Mission K9 Warrior” was born. We are determined to raise the funds necessary to provide a qualified veteran with a highly trained service K9, that can improve the quality of the veteran’s life who risked it all for our freedom.
More information at Mission K9 Warrior
Mary T Klinker Veterans Center
The Mary T. Klinker Veteran Resource Center’s mission is to restore hope to Veterans who have become lost in life. Through financial assistance, peer support, and the facilitation of a Veteran-centered approach to healing, we will leave no Veteran behind!
More information at MTK Veterans Center
Veterans Events
Veterans Day at Festival of Trees 2025
Location: David S. Palmer Arena – Danville, IL
Veteran’s Day 5K
A fundraising race will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m. The event benefits American Legion Post 210 and will include a silent auction and chili and desserts afterward.
Date: November 8, 2025.
Location: American Legion Post 210 – 201 Prospect Place, Danville, IL.
Fall In Friday
Are you looking for a place to connect with fellow Veterans? Would you like to find some support without all of the red tape for referrals or to schedule an appointment? Fall In Friday is a weekly support group for Veterans.
*enjoy hot coffee and some warm food
*connect with our equines
*spend time with fellow Veterans
*learn strategies to help manage your stress
Doors open at 08:30 each Friday. For more information contact us at veterans@gatewayfamilyservices.org or 217-488-8006
Location: Gateway Family Services of Illinois 7757 US Route 136 Potomac, IL 61865
Website: www.gatewayfamilyservices.org
