The term ‘veteran’ can be both a common noun and, in certain contexts, a proper noun. When referring to a veteran in general, such as a former member of the armed forces, it is used as a common noun. For example, you might say, ‘Many veterans have served our country.’ In this case, ‘veterans’ does not refer to a specific individual or group and is not capitalized.
However, when ‘Veteran’ is part of a title or a specific designation, such as in a formal event or when referencing a specific organization, it can become a proper noun. For instance, you could see it capitalized in contexts like ‘Veterans Day’ or ‘Veterans Affairs.’ In these cases, ‘Veteran’ is treated as a proper noun because it refers to a specific event or institution.
In summary, while ‘veteran’ is primarily a common noun, it can be a proper noun in specific contexts where it is part of a title or formal reference.