National Hire a Veteran Day
July 25
About National Hire a Veteran Day
National Hire a Veteran Day takes place each year on 25 July, and in 2026 it falls on Saturday, 25 July. The observance encourages employers across the United States to recruit, hire, and retain military veterans as they move from service into civilian careers. It was established by National Day Calendar in 2017 in partnership with Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, founder of Hire Our Heroes.
What is National Hire a Veteran Day?
National Hire a Veteran Day is a United States awareness day dedicated to highlighting the value veterans bring to the workforce and to encouraging businesses of every size to give them meaningful employment opportunities. It speaks directly to employers, recruiters, and human resources teams, asking them to recognise the leadership, discipline, and technical skills that service members develop during their time in uniform. The day also draws attention to the genuine challenges many veterans face when translating military experience into civilian job applications. Both the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs help promote the observance each year.
When is National Hire a Veteran Day?
National Hire a Veteran Day is observed annually on 25 July. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday. The date is fixed, so it lands on the same calendar day every year, although the day of the week shifts. Because it is a fixed-date observance rather than a public holiday, businesses and organisations are free to mark it in whatever way suits their schedule, often by launching recruitment drives or career events in the surrounding week.
Why National Hire a Veteran Day Matters
Each year, roughly 200,000 men and women leave the United States military and begin the often difficult process of returning to civilian life. Finding stable, fulfilling employment is one of the biggest hurdles in that transition. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were around 17.26 million veterans in the civilian population aged 18 and over in 2025, with 8.34 million in the labour force. Veteran unemployment rates fluctuate month to month, sitting at roughly 3.7 percent in April 2026. Behind those figures are real people whose military training has equipped them with teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and a strong work ethic. National Hire a Veteran Day exists to remind employers that hiring a veteran is not an act of charity but a sound business decision.
How to Get Involved in National Hire a Veteran Day
There are many practical ways for employers, colleagues, and communities to take part:
- Post veteran-friendly job openings – Advertise current vacancies on veteran job boards and clearly state that military experience is welcomed and valued.
- Review your recruitment language – Audit job descriptions to ensure they translate military skills fairly and do not unintentionally screen out qualified veteran applicants.
- Host a hiring event – Organise an open day, careers fair, or virtual recruitment session aimed specifically at veterans and transitioning service members.
- Apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion – Employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to recruiting and retaining veterans can apply for federal recognition through the Department of Labor programme.
- Set up a mentoring scheme – Pair newly hired veterans with experienced colleagues to ease the adjustment to a civilian workplace culture.
- Share veteran success stories – Spotlight current veteran employees to show prospective applicants that your organisation genuinely values their service.
- Connect with veteran charities – Partner with organisations that support military-to-civilian transitions to build a steady pipeline of skilled candidates.
- Educate your team – Run a short briefing for managers on the strengths veterans bring and the support they may need when starting a new role.
History of National Hire a Veteran Day
National Hire a Veteran Day was founded in 2017 by National Day Calendar in collaboration with Dan Caporale, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Hire Our Heroes. Caporale had seen first hand how difficult the job search could be for those leaving the armed forces, and he wanted a dedicated date that would prompt employers to look more seriously at veteran talent. The Registrar at National Day Calendar formally proclaimed the observance to be held on 25 July each year.
The day arrived during a period of growing national focus on veteran employment. In 2017, President Donald Trump signed the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act, widely known as the HIRE Vets Act. That legislation created the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, a federal award recognising employers who show an outstanding commitment to hiring and retaining veterans. The timing meant that National Hire a Veteran Day quickly gained a supportive policy backdrop.
Since its founding, the observance has been amplified by both the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which use the date to encourage businesses to seek out qualified veterans. Over the years it has grown from a calendar entry into a focal point for recruitment campaigns, employer pledges, and community events across the country.
Noteworthy Facts About National Hire a Veteran Day
- The day was established in 2017, making it a relatively young observance compared with many military commemorations.
- Roughly 200,000 service members transition out of the United States military every year.
- The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, launched under the 2017 HIRE Vets Act, is the only federal-level award recognising veteran employment efforts.
- In 2025 there were approximately 17.26 million veterans in the United States civilian population aged 18 and over.
- The observance is championed by both the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Hire a Veteran Day?
It is an annual United States awareness day that encourages employers to recruit, hire, and retain military veterans, highlighting the skills and value they bring to the workplace.
When is National Hire a Veteran Day in 2026?
It falls on Saturday, 25 July 2026. The date is fixed and observed on 25 July every year.
Who founded National Hire a Veteran Day?
It was founded in 2017 by National Day Calendar together with Dan Caporale, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Hire Our Heroes.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Hire a Veteran Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #HireAVeteranDay and #HireAVeteranDay2026 on social media. The more employers who know about National Hire a Veteran Day, the more opportunities open up for those who have served.
Related Awareness Days
- Veterans Day – The national day honouring all who have served in the United States armed forces, observed each November.
- PTSD Awareness Day – A day focused on the mental health challenges many veterans and others live with after traumatic experiences.
- Buffalo Soldiers Day – A commemoration of the African American regiments who served with distinction in the United States Army.
Links
- Visit the official National Hire a Veteran Day page at National Day Calendar
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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