On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and Allied nations came into effect.

On Nov. 11, 1919, Armistice Day was for the first time. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory."

In 1954, the 40 and 8 and other veteran service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” Congress approved this change and, on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor all American veterans wherever and whenever they had served.

It is marked by parades and church services and flying the American flag at half-staff. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11 a.m.

La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of 40 Men and 8 Horses) better known as the 40 & 8 which held their first meeting only four months after the signing of the armistice, encourage all Americans to honor and thank veterans whenever and wherever they see them, especially on Veterans Day.

As President Wilson said, "America was established not to create wealth but to realize a vision, to realize an ideal — to discover and maintain liberty among men."

Let us all pause silently for a couple minutes at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 to give thanks to all veterans for our freedom.