Founded in 2024 by National Invest In Veterans Week® and nationally syndicated business and technology columnist and Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford.

Congressionally honored veteran advocacy, now worldwide.

International Veterans Day is observed each year on March 3rd. This day is dedicated to honoring both past and present veterans who have served internationally, recognizing their significant contributions to the global community.

According to the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, there are over 2.5 million post-9/11 military veterans, which represent less than 1% of the population. Among them, 80% have served time in an overseas combat zone. Over 2 million of these veterans served in Afghanistan and Iraq, with deployments constituting about one-third of their service time, and 60% are under the age of 34.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalVeteransDay

Celebrate the day by recognizing internationally living and serving veterans. Want to show your support for veterans during International Veterans Day? Consider the following tips:

Promote internationally serving veterans on social media platforms.

·       Support businesses worldwide that are owned by veterans.

·       Organize international workshops to provide veterans with access to benefits and resources.

·       Offer discounts, organize fundraisers, provide complimentary services, and hold award ceremonies specifically for international veterans.

·       Form partnerships with brands focused on international veteran support.

·       Arrange gatherings for veteran-owned businesses in allied countries.

·       Mentor veterans who are living internationally.

·       Use social media platforms to enhance the recognition and celebration of International Veterans Day.

·       Lobby international legislators to officially recognize and honor veterans on this day.

·       Engage with the broader mission of International Veterans Day by visiting Invest in Veterans Week.

Share your favorite veteran entrepreneur or veteran business on Social Media using #InternationalVeteransDay or #InternationalInvestInInternationalVeterans.

MARCH 3RD HISTORY: INTERNATIONAL VETERANS DAY


International Veterans Day, observed annually on March 3rd, is imbued with significant historical events that resonate with its global commemorative spirit. This date was chosen not only for its importance in U.S. history but also for its representation of broader international military values. On March 3, 1931, the United States formalized "The Star-Spangled Banner" as its national anthem, a song written during a key moment of international conflict, the War of 1812. The anthem’s lyrics, inspired by the sight of a U.S. flag surviving a British bombardment, symbolize resilience and unity—qualities universally admired in military veterans worldwide.

March 3 also marks the creation of the Federal Naval Reserve in 1915, an institution that underscores the importance of preparedness and strategic reserve forces, which many nations rely on for defense and international peacekeeping. The readiness and dedication demonstrated by such reserve forces reflect the values that International Veterans Day aims to honor globally.

Moreover, the historical significance of March 3 extends to the first amphibious landing operation by American forces in 1776 during the Battle of Nassau, a pivotal moment in naval military history. This event not only highlights the strategic military initiatives often necessary in international conflicts but also celebrates the courage and innovative spirit of military forces engaging in operations far from their home shores.

By celebrating International Veterans Day on this date, we honor not just those who have served in any one country’s military, but all those around the world who have contributed to international security and peace. This day, promoted as part of National Invest In Veterans Week®, encourages global recognition of and investment in veterans' welfare and development, reinforcing a commitment to support those who have served on an international scale.

Historical Context and Connection to National Invest In Veterans Week:

International Veterans Day was established in 2024 by Iraq War veteran Jeff Shuford, under the guidance of LTC Rickey L. Pope, USA (Ret.), and with strategic advisement from Lonnell McCall II and NFL legend Drayton Florence. The day was created with the objective of empowering the global community to support and invest in the international veteran population. This commitment involves honoring their sacrifices, investing in their educational development, and enhancing their mental health empowerment on a worldwide scale. International Veterans Day is promoted as part of National Invest In Veterans Week®, which acts as the parent initiative and focuses on a broader range of support and investment in veterans' welfare and development. The same year marked the introduction of international domain names designed to provide localized support to veterans across various nations. These include:

SouthKoreaVeterans.com

GermanyVeterans.com

AustraliaVeterans.com

JapanVeterans.com

UnitedKingdomVeterans.com

Veterans.International

National Invest In Veterans Week® History:

The congressionally honored National Invest In Veterans Week® precedes the establishment of International Veterans Day and was created to encourage a week-long observance focused on increasing support and investment in the lives of veterans. This week aims to highlight and address the needs of veterans through advocacy, education, and public awareness initiatives, effectively setting the stage for the specific celebration of International Veterans Day within its framework. This broader observance underscores the importance of community support, legislative advocacy, and economic opportunities for veterans, both domestically and internationally.

The Registrar at National Invest In Veterans Week® proclaimed the celebration in April of 2024 to be observed March 3rd, annually.

Read the story: https://losangelers.com/article/international-veterans-day-announcement-march-3rd

Per our April 22, 2024 Update – To commemorate the 7 year anniversary of their award-winning Vets 22 brand, in a landmark initiative, National Invest In Veterans Week® proudly announces a historic expansion of its digital footprint through the acquisition of new international and state-specific domain names. Under the continued direction of Jeff Shuford’s Tech From Vets, this monumental enhancement of our digital resources is designed to dramatically broaden the reach and impact of our services for active-duty service members and veterans both globally and across the United States, further cementing our role as a pivotal hub for the congressionally recognized Invest In Veterans Week brand.

This year marks a significant milestone with the introduction of a series of international domain names, including SouthKoreaVeterans.com, GermanyVeterans.com, AustraliaVeterans.com, JapanVeterans.com, UnitedKingdomVeterans.com, and Veterans.International. These new platforms will serve as vital access points for our international veteran communities, offering localized content and resources tailored specifically to meet the needs and address the unique challenges faced by veterans in these regions.

International Veterans Day Facts and Information

Which is the correct spelling of International Veterans Day?

  • International Veterans Day

  • International Veteran’s Day

  • International Veterans’ Day

  • International Veterans Day (choice a). International Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an “s” at the end of “veterans” because it is not a day that “belongs” to international veterans; it is a day for honoring all veterans who served internationally.

On what day of the week will International Veterans Day be observed? International Veterans Day is always observed officially on March 3, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The main ceremonies are held on International Veterans Day itself. When March 3 falls on a weekday, some communities may choose to hold parades or other celebrations on the weekend closest to this date to allow more people to participate.

Who decides if a government office or business closes or stays open on International Veterans Day? For International Veterans Day, closings can vary by country. In some places, such as where it is recognized as a formal holiday, government offices may close. In other countries, it might be a normal working day but with commemorations held. Businesses and non-government entities decide independently whether to close or remain open, based on local significance and observance customs.

What is the difference between International Veterans Day and other veteran-related holidays? International Veterans Day is distinct in that it recognizes veterans who served internationally, across all nations, making it a day of global observance. This contrasts with national holidays such as the U.S. Veterans Day, which is focused on all veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or Memorial Day, which is dedicated to those who died in service. International Veterans Day emphasizes honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans from multiple countries, reflecting an international scope.

Why are poppies associated with veteran commemoration days? While red poppies are commonly worn on days such as Memorial Day and Remembrance Day to honor war dead, they are not traditionally associated with International Veterans Day. The poppy symbol originates from the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, which inspired the use of poppies to remember those who died in war, particularly in Commonwealth countries.

How can I participate in International Veterans Day? Participation can include attending local ceremonies, recognizing internationally serving veterans on social media, and supporting veteran-owned businesses worldwide. Educational events and workshops can also provide information about the benefits and resources available to international veterans.

Is International Veterans Day celebrated in other countries? Yes, International Veterans Day is intended as a global observance to honor veterans from all nations who have served internationally. The level and manner of commemoration may vary, with some countries having formal recognitions and others observing it as a more informal day of respect and remembrance.