Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. At the 11th hour on November 11, 1918, the Armistice with Germany went into effect to formally end major hostilities of World War I. After an urging from veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor and recognize all veterans.
Though we are a long way from the days of World War I, it was on the first Armistice Day in 1919, in which President Woodrow Wilson uttered the following words to set the stage for honoring our veterans:
"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 nations."
I draw your attention to the word gratitude. We observe and honor our veterans because we are grateful for their service to all of us. They have protected and defended the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us never forget that. When you come across a veteran, let your words and actions show your gratitude not only today, but all days.