IAVA - Veterans Day 2011: See What Happened | Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

11/11/11 was an historic day to honor, celebrate and unite as a community marking a decade of war. In Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and San Franciso, IAVA Member Veterans, their families and supporters came out to march in parades and attend ceremonies nationwide for Veterans Day. Thousands of our supporters joined together online to show the less than 1% of Americans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan that we've got their backs. Coast to coast IAVA capitalized on this historic date to show the entire nation that veterans are a smart investment in America’s future. Together, we called on local communities and leaders to help raise awareness about veteran unemployment and lay the groundwork for veteran job fairs nationwide.

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Attended one of the parades? Click below to download photos:

Atlanta

Chicago

Dallas

New York City

San Francisco

IAVA held its Fifth Annual Heroes Gala on November 9, 2011 at Cipriani 42nd in New York City. The event honored the more than two million men and women who have bravely served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, and coincided with IAVA's extensive Veterans Week activities nationwide. Watch the highlights below, and click here to learn more.

CNN: Getting Veterans Back to Work | Tom Tarantino
WABC: Challenges Facing New Veterans | Jonathan Schleifer & Tyler Tannahill
New York Times: On War and Redemption | Tim Kudo
Forbes: 11/11/11 - Not Just a Funky Date | Paul Rieckhoff
VAntage Point: March with Us | Jason Hansman
NYT At War: With Thoughts of Fellow Soldiers and Country | Chris Hellie

The New Yorker: Veterans in the City | Paul Rieckhoff, Cpl. Aaaron Mankin and Tireak Tulloch
WNYC: Veterans Day for the Next Generation | Tim Kudo
Wall Street Journal: Poll: Veterans Looking for Food Help | Matt Gallagher
Huffington Post: Remembering Our Veterans | Adam Clampitt
CNN: Don't add benefit cuts to troops' sacrifices | Jonathan Raab
New York Times: For a Veteran, Finding Reasons to Move Forward | Matthew Mellina

Veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan? Join the conversation inside IAVA's Community of Veterans, stay updated on employment opportunities through IAVA’s Combat to Career program or get free rewards like NFL tickets and jcpenney gift certificates from The Rucksack. Sign up today to become a member - it's completely free.

In just the last year, IAVA has connected hundreds of veterans with employers through career fairs, helped over 10,000 veterans go to college on the new GI Bill, and provided mental health support to over 50,000 veterans—all at no cost to Member Veterans. Programs like these are only made possible through your generous support. Fight for those who fought for us and help us keep these resources and benefits completely free for new veterans and their families.

Donate online or text "IAVA" to 20222 to contribute $10 towards our Combat to Career program. Ensure our country supports this newest generation of veterans not just on Veterans Day but every day of the year.