Veteran's Day honors the US soldiers that have served in times of war and peace.
Veteran’s Day originated as “Armstice Day” on November 11, 1919 to mark the ceasefire between the Allied nations and Germany that took place on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” during World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution making the date an annual observance, and November 11th became a national holiday in 1938. At the time, the day stood to honor the soldiers that fought in World War I. However, the name was changed to Veteran’s Day in 1954 to account for veterans of all wars.
Today’s population of veterans includes people from all walks of life. There are 17.4 million veterans in the United States and 1.6 million of them are women. As of 2019, the top three states with the highest percentage of veterans are Virginia, Wyoming, and Alaska.
Unlike Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day honors living veterans especially—many companies will offer discounts and free products and services to veterans on this day. Additionally, veterans are starting up their own enterprises, as the Small Business Administration reports that 25 percent of post-9/11 veterans want to be entrepreneurs.
Veterans are important changemakers in our society and economy. Veteran-owned businesses employ 5.8 million individuals. Additionally, the Small Business Administration notes that military service exhibits one of the largest marginal effects on self-employment and veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans.
Green America gives veteran-owned companies a special shout out in our online directory of green businesses. Green Business Network members with veteran status can connect, network, and thrive in our community of companies for good. Here are a few veteran-owned green businesses that are certified with Green America:
Valley Isle Excursions
Valle Isle Excursions is a tour service that takes travelers on adventures through Maui on the Hawaiian Islands. Experience a majestic Haleakalā sunrise or journey down the road to Hāna to find a black sand beach, waterfalls and incredible coastal vistas.
E&B Auto Repair
E&B Auto Repair is a general repair auto shop that goes the extra mile for sustainability. It is a NAPA AutoCare Center with ASE Certified Technicians located in Fort Bragg, California.
Conte Wealth Advisors
Christian Stearns, CFP(r), specializes in socially responsible investing and impact investing. He is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Browse more veteran-owned businesses and find any sustainable product or service across the US by searching the Green Pages Online.
