Since 1919, Americans have been celebrating a very special day on Nov. 11. Monday is Veterans Day. It is a day of acknowledgment. It is a day of utmost respect and reverence. It is a day of thanks for those who helped pay the price for freedom. Please appreciate that sentiment. We stress this message each year. Our message should be your message.

Originally called Armistice Day, President Wilson first declared Nov. 11 a day of remembrance following the end of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918 — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

President Wilson set the tone of observance with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Following World War II, President Eisenhower renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day, expanding the day of memory to commemorate the sacrifices of all those who have served their country.

Those who fought in the World War II — a war fought valiantly on both sides of the globe — belong to the greatest generation in the history of the United States. That is indisputable. But we are losing a very precious commodity in our country: WWII veterans.

According to Veterans Affairs, as of Sept. 30, 2023, more than 100,000 WWII veterans were still living, including about 6,000 women. Their median age was 98 years old. By 2034, the number of living WWII veterans is expected to fall to 1,000.

We are losing Korean War, Vietnam and Gulf War veterans. For all of those who have passed, we send a heavenly salute. And a heartfelt salute to all veterans among us.

“Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty.”

Many schools and community groups pay respects to our veterans. Good for all of the schools involved and good for our conscientious teachers who impart knowledge into their students so that all the efforts on the battlefields, on the shores and on the mighty oceans will never be lost among future generations.

Off the top of our list we know that Lisbon, Wellsville, Sebring, West Branch, Beaver Local, Columbiana, East Palestine, Crestview and Leetonia schools are holding Veterans Day programs. There are likely others. Good for all of you!

And shame on anybody in our current times and culture trying to diminish the efforts and sacrifices made by all veterans, especially those valiantly serving during times of war. You shouldn’t have had to be around during World War II to understand and appreciate what our service men and women did for us during the most pivotal period in our nation’s history. The “Greatest Generation” is darn right. There aren’t many of them left with us.

Appreciate those serving during the Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars. We must preserve and cherish the heritage created by our country-minded veterans — those who served during times of strife and those serving during times of peace. We must pass it down through our young. And let’s not overlook those active troops serving diligently across the globe.

And, we would be remiss not to declare a happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps. The Corps got its start on Nov. 10, 1775 — 249 years ago. Two battalions of Continental Marines were formed in Philadelphia as a service branch of infantry troops capable of fighting for independence both at sea and on shore.

The Marines haven’t stopped protecting our people and our freedoms. “Semper Fidelis”: Always faithful, always loyal.” Actually that applies to all service personnel of all branches who have ever served our nation.

Reflect and be grateful. Be thankful for your freedom. Without the sacrifices of those who have served you and are serving now you would have no voting rights. How much is that right overlooked in this day and age of tumult and unrest? The democratic ideals that make the United States of America the finest nation in the history of mankind were forged and protected by our service men and women. Let’s not ever lose sight of that.

If you know a veteran, simply give him or her a few words of gratitude on Monday– a simple thank you for all they have done and sacrificed. Actually, thank a veteran whenever you can and not just each Nov. 11. And if you are a veteran, thank you very much. Our message is the same each and every year. Humbly, we salute you. Again and again. The American way remains the best way and always will. For that every single citizen in this country should be grateful. God bless all of you.