One Hundred and Two years ago on November 11, 1918, at 5:00 am, the Germans finally gave in and agreed to an Armistice with the Allied forces bringing an end to World War I. Officially, it was the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month that the powers that be sat down to formally sign the agreement.

One year later, Woodrow Wilson would urge Americans to remember solemnly those lost in the war, officially observing for the first time the anniversary of the war’s end. On May 13, 1938, Congress would officially recognized November 11th to be an official holiday

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.

Woodrow Wilson, November 11, 1919 Address from the White House.

After the ending of World War II, at the urging of a veteran of the war Armistice Day was changed to Veteran’s Day in recognition of All American Veterans of all wars. On October 8, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a veteran himself of World War II issues a proclamation in recognition of the first official Veteran’s Day.

I know first hand the sacrifice our men and women make for this country every day. From long hours at work, to deployments, and temporary duty assignments that take them away from their loved ones. They often miss recitals, birthdays, first steps, first words and so many of the important events in their children’s lives. Yet, they do it willingly, they volunteer to go to the most dangerous places on earth to keep the enemy from coming to our shores. They are willing to accept the cost of going into harm’s way knowing that they may never see their family again. These are exceptional men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. The families that stand behind them are exception. The wives who not only run the home while their spouse is away, but who keeps spirits high and problems at home to herself so that her husband does not inadvertently put himself in danger. The kids who just want their dad to tuck them in at night, or to play catch in the yard, or the mother who just wants her child to come home safely. They do so much for us, the least we can do is Thank them for their service.

So today and every day, I honor the brave men and women of our Armed Services and thank them for the sacrifice they are willing to make so that we can continue to live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!