Veterans Day
Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Observed each year on November 11, the day recognizes the dedication, sacrifice, and service of military veterans across all branches of the military. It is also an opportunity to recognize how science, technology, engineering, and medicine have supported military service while improving civilian life through innovation.
How it Started…
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. The armistice took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, the holiday was officially renamed Veterans Day to honor all U.S. military veterans who have served the nation.
How To Celebrate…
- Veterans Day ceremonies and parades
- Moments of silence and remembrance
- Visiting veterans’ memorials and museums
- School programs honoring veterans
- Community service projects
- Recognition of veterans in local communities
- Educational presentations about military history
- Thanking veterans for their service
STEM From’s Take
Our Perspective…
Veterans Day is also a reminder of the important role STEM plays in supporting those who serve and protecting communities. Engineers, physicians, cybersecurity experts, pilots, meteorologists, medical researchers, and technology specialists contribute to national defense, humanitarian missions, disaster response, and veteran healthcare.
At STEM From, we recognize that many veterans continue their service after the military by pursuing careers in engineering, healthcare, technology, education, emergency management, and public service. Their leadership, technical skills, and commitment to solving problems continue to strengthen communities long after their military service ends.
The Significance and Why We Care…
Veterans have contributed not only through military service but also through leadership, innovation, and community involvement after returning to civilian life. Many technologies originally developed for military applications have later improved everyday life, including advances in GPS navigation, aviation, emergency medicine, prosthetics, communications, weather forecasting, and the internet.
Veterans Day reminds students that STEM careers can be used to serve others in many different ways—whether protecting public health, advancing technology, responding to disasters, or improving healthcare for veterans and civilians alike.
Veterans Day
STEM Fields Highlighted…
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Meteorology
- Environmental Science
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Materials Science
- Emergency Management
Fun Fact
Many everyday technologies have been advanced through research connected to military needs before finding widespread civilian use. Examples include GPS navigation, improvements in prosthetic limbs, advances in trauma medicine, weather forecasting technologies, and innovations in communications systems that benefit millions of people every day.
STEM From Activity
STEM Careers That Serve
Ask students to research a STEM career that supports military personnel, veterans, or emergency responders.
Examples include:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Aerospace Engineer
- Trauma Surgeon
- Meteorologist
- Robotics Engineer
- Physical Therapist
- Data Scientist
- Emergency Management Specialist
Students should explain:
- Why it is important
- What the career does
- How it supports service members or communities
- What education is required
Discussion Questions
- What does service mean beyond military service?
- How has STEM improved the safety and health of service members?
- Why are engineering and technology important during emergencies and humanitarian missions?
- How can veterans continue contributing through STEM careers after military service?
- Which STEM career would you choose if your goal was to help protect or serve others?
- How can innovation improve healthcare and rehabilitation for veterans?
