A day to honor all of those who serve

In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the armistice that ended World War I took effect, drawing down the curtain on what was sincerely hoped to be “the war to end all wars.”

Even the ending of armed conflicts is chaotic, and combat didn’t stop for several hours, but the wording of the timing persevered as a lyrical memory, of peace ending a conflict of unprecedented devastation.

Armistice Day was first celebrated one year later, in the United States, England and France. The name highlighted the intention that it be observed with thoughts of how to seek, maintain, and honor peace, along with celebrating those who fought. In the United States, 35 years and two wars later, the name was changed to Veterans Day to recognize all who serve in our military, in every conflict and in peace. There have been tiny and sporadic movements to again make Armistice Day the name and peace the focus, a noble idea.

On Nov. 11, we honor all those who agree to fight for our nation, whether they see combat or not.

Enlisting in the modern military is a unique commitment. It asks those who serve to accept the possibility of spending years away from home, the potential that enemies with powerful weapons will attack them, and the prospect that they may be forced to kill. In return for this unquantifiable gift of self-sacrifice, the nation promises our full-time military members pay and room and board, health insurance, job training, housing, free tuition, the possibility of promotion, a career in uniform and, if they serve long enough, a pension. And our gratitude.

In the United States today, the military is a ladder to economic, financial, and societal advancement for those willing and able to climb it.

As we recently saw in Florida during hurricanes Ian and Nicole, when the National Guard was activated and deployed, these are the backbone of our disaster preparation and response. Of the nation’s 2.2 million military members, about 825,000 are reservists and National Guard members whose service is part-time, and whose most important function often involves emergencies in or near their own communities. Just as they do when deploying to war, these men and women leave their families and homes in the teeth of our most frightening times, to help others.

Perhaps most importantly, all 2.2 million of those service members are volunteers. Their willingness to serve is the reason December will mark 50 years since our nation’s last draft call.

Veterans Day remains a day to wish for lasting peace. In peace and in war, our military serves us with commitment, loyalty, patriotism, and bravery, at home and away. Today is a day to honor them, and to redouble our commitment to uphold our promises to them.