Taking place on November 11 each year, Veterans Day honors those who served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans risked their lives to defend our nation’s freedoms, and many are currently facing serious health problems like mesothelioma as a result of their service.
In honor of Veterans Day 2025, learn how you can support brave veterans with mesothelioma as well as all who served.
Veterans Day 2025 Explained
Veterans Day is a time to celebrate those who made the heroic choice to enlist in the U.S. military and defend their country.
The holiday’s date coincides with the end of World War I, which formally concluded on November 11, 1918. Unlike Memorial Day — which honors those who have died while serving — Veterans Day celebrates all living U.S. military members.
On Veterans Day, it’s important to highlight the sacrifices that military service members made. While many veterans are still with us today, they may be suffering from service-related health problems. This includes mesothelioma, a rare and fatal form of cancer only caused by asbestos exposure.
Veterans & Mesothelioma Risks
Between the 1930s and 1980s, the military relied on asbestos for building materials. Service members didn’t know asbestos could cause cancer. As a result, U.S. veterans make up one-third of all mesothelioma cases.
The makers of asbestos-containing products intentionally hid the dangers in an effort to increase profits. Once the truth was publicly revealed, the U.S. military took steps to remove asbestos from bases, vehicles, and Navy ships. However, the damage had already been done since thousands of service members and their families had been exposed to asbestos.
Veterans Day is a great time to remind veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that you care about them, are proud of their service, and understand their ongoing health battles.
“I would tell people diagnosed with this cancer to make the best of it. You can’t change it. Get as close to your family and friends as you can. Stay positive and keep a positive attitude.”
If you’re a veteran who was exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible for compensation. Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to explore your options.
3 Ways to Honor Service Members on Veterans Day 2025
There are a number of ways you can celebrate Veterans Day this year, from large-scale events to one-on-one activities with the veterans in your life. Explore 3 ways to get involved this year below.
1. Visit a Veteran
Veterans Day can be a great time to visit the veterans you love. A surprise visit from a relative can make all the difference to a veteran, especially if they are facing mesothelioma or another serious illness.
If you can’t visit them in person, call them up on the phone or schedule a video chat through FaceTime, Zoom, or another online platform.
2. Make a Donation
Donating to a veterans organization or cancer research foundation is a great way to honor veterans who have passed away.
You can make donations to:
- Disabled American Veterans: This nonprofit organization helps veterans access benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), gives them rides to VA hospitals if they live far away, and offers additional support.
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: More commonly known as the Meso Foundation, this group aims to find a cure for mesothelioma and support those affected by this rare cancer. Some of the world’s top mesothelioma doctors serve on the organization’s board of directors.
- Wounded Warrior Project: This organization supports veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001. Through the Wounded Warrior Project, veterans can get help accessing VA benefits, connect with others who served, and receive support for their mental and physical health.
3. Participate in Veterans Day Events
There are thousands of local and national events planned for Veterans Day in 2025. Check your local newspaper, community web sites, or veterans organizations to see what activities are scheduled in your area.
Veterans Day is often celebrated with:
- 5K walks and races
- Ceremonies
- Parades
If you live near Arlington, Virginia, consider attending the Veterans Day National Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. This year’s ceremony will take place on November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m ET.
The event is open to the public and includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations, a military flyover, and speeches from dignitaries and other guests.
Help for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Veterans Day is a reminder that all who served in the U.S. military deserve our respect and praise. Whether you attend an in-person ceremony, simply thank a veteran, or host a gathering to celebrate, make sure you take time out of your day to make them feel honored and respected.
In addition, if you’ve developed mesothelioma as a result of your service in the U.S. military, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to VA benefits and financial compensation.
Our Patient Advocates can help you learn more about mesothelioma veterans benefits and explore all your options for compensation.
Call (866) 608-8933 today or download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to get personalized help and support.
