The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

Our soldiers have nobly fought to protect freedom since our country's birth, and have fought to protect those that could not protect themselves, even in foreign lands, when called upon.

— Former U.S. Representative John Linder (R, Georgia)

On Wednesday we celebrate Veterans Day at a moment in history when our appreciation of what our nation means to us can never be greater and when our gratitude for the sacrifices that the men and women of our Armed Forces have made can never run deeper.

The United States has been the defender of freedom and democracy around the world since the end of World War II, often stepping forward when others were reluctant to make commitments. As a part of that global mission, our nation’s military is now deployed in more than 150 countries.

It is therefore fitting that we pause to honor all those, living and dead, who have served our nation in war and peace.

Veterans Day — first known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I — has been a national holiday since 1938. In the United States it is celebrated every Nov. 11, for on that day in 1918 the WW I hostilities ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and

World War II on or near Nov. 11: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain marks Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday of November.

In Britain and the Commonwealth countries, as well as many other parts of Europe, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every Nov. 11.

Throughout our history, those in military service have protected the values and liberties that this nation was built on. And they continue contributing to American society far beyond their time on active duty. They use the lessons they’ve learned and the experiences they’ve acquired in the military to improve our communities. They become our nation’s police officers, firefighters, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs and public servants. They are among the most active volunteers working in local organizations across our country. For them, the call to duty never ends.

And so on this Veterans Day, let us remember the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country, especially those now in Veteran Administration Hospitals. We must honor, now more than ever, those who have defended and strengthened the United States of America.