Veterans Day, annually observed on November 11, is a day to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country.
Originally named Armistice Day, the holiday was initially created in 1919 to honor those who served and lost their lives in World War I (“The Great War"), which had ended the year before. In 1954, Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.
We want to recognize and thank service members who have served in the United States Armed Forces not just on November 11, but every day. Here are several resources available to veterans and their families:
- Access to information: Our Library offers a wealth of resources on topics such as military benefits, healthcare, education, and job training.
- VetNow: VetNow provides personalized online assistance to veterans and their families. This program can help you connect with VA benefits, healthcare, other services. Get help with live job coaching, identifying skills, resume building, and translating military experiences into civilian occupations.
- Community Resource Navigators: Our trained staff can help find local services including healthcare, housing, food, legal and money support, explain how these programs work and find the right help.
- County of Santa Clara Office of Veterans Services: Get help with VA healthcare enrollment, VA pension claims, survivor benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, home loans, educational benefits (GI Bill), life insurance, and more.
- Computer access: We offer free computer access and Wi-Fi, which can be helpful for job searching, applying for benefits, or staying connected with loved ones.
The County of Santa Clara Office of Veterans Services will offer an array of free services to qualified veterans and their families during the fourth annual Stand Down. The two-day event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 - 6, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Pavilion Hall, 344 Old Tully Road in San José. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.
This year’s Stand Down will bring back a “Claims Clinic” that helps veterans file claims for disability compensation, pensions and dependency. This allows the claims to be confirmed by Department of Veterans Affairs staff on site. The clinic can reduce wait times for compensation and pension claims. Veterans can register for the event at https://vets.santaclaracounty.gov/2026-stand-down, opens a new window.
All SCCLD libraries will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of the holiday. Our Online Library is always available for research, eBooks, Audiobooks, streaming movies and music, and more!
Veterans and active military service members, we thank you for your service and sacrifice!
