The United States Census Bureau reports that around 18 million U.S. veterans live in the country, about 7% of the adult population.
Our veterans range in age from 18 years old to over 100 and have served in conflicts dating back to World War II.
We celebrate veterans on November 11 each year — a holiday renamed from “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day” by President Eisenhower in 1954.
But every day is a good day to show appreciation and support for veterans!
Below, we list the words that describe veterans, plus share some famous quotes that honor them.
Rugged
having toughness and determination
Gritty
having courage and resolve
Ace
someone who excels at what they do
Brave
having the courage to face danger or pain without fear
Loyal
showing firm and constant support
Tough
able to endure hardship and withstand harsh conditions
Selfless
placing the needs of others above themselves
Valorous
showing courage in the face of danger
Admirable
deserving respect
Wise
having experience and good judgment
Intrepid
fearless
Commendable
deserving praise
Ardent
enthusiastic and passionate
Exemplary
the best of their kind
Skilled
well-trained to perform tasks with expertise
Fearless
courageous
Expert
having authoritative knowledge
Gallant
brave
Seasoned
experienced
Bold
courageous and able to take risks
Adept
proficient at their work
Strong
able to withstand pressure
Doughty
brave and persistent
Patriotic
devoted to their country
Professional
has authoritative knowledge and skills regarding military operations
Resolute
purposeful and determined
Meritorious
deserving praise
Courageous
brave
Dutiful
motivated by duty rather than personal desires
Proud
satisfied with their achievements
Eager
ready to take on the task
Lionhearted
brave and determined
Valiant
showing courage and determination
Honorable
principled and worthy of praise
Audacious
willing to take bold risks
Spirited
energetic and enthusiastic
Experienced
knowledgable and skilled
Heroic
courageous
Allegiant
loyal to their cause and country
Ambitious
determined to succeed
Noble
having high principles and ideals
Accomplished
highly trained and skilled
Disciplined
having controlled behavior and work ethic
Devoted
loyal
Trained
having been taught specific skills and behaviors through instruction and practice
Dependable
trustworthy and reliable
Resilient
able to withstand and recover from difficult situations
Laudable
deserving praise
Steadfast
unwavering
Mettlesome
full of courage
Adventuresome
willing to take risks
Unflinching
fearless
Tenacious
determined
Spartan
disciplined
Staunch
loyal and committed
Dauntless
fearless and determined
Gutsy
courageous and determined
Unwavering
steady
Indomitable
impossible to defeat
Daring
adventurous
Undeterred
persevering even in the face of setbacks
Quotes to Honor Veterans
The adjectives above can help you describe veterans, but there are also plenty of great quotes to pay tribute to veterans.
We list some of the most well-known and honorable quotes below.
- “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” – President Harry S. Truman
- “There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” – Nick Lampson
- “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” – G. K. Chesterton
- “Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” – Douglas MacArthur
- “Here men endured that a nation might live.” – President Herbert Hoover
- “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
- “The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.” – Judd Gregg
- “America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.” – Claudia Pemberton
- “Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.” – Mary Roach
- “Let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” – Dan Lipinski