Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor all the men and women who have served in the military, whether in war or peace.

Minot and a number of area communities along with others across the country will observe Veterans Day today with programs and other special ceremonies. Speakers will offer words to audiences about the day and its importance.

In honor of Veterans Day, Trinity Health’s Employer of Choice Committee will display a Missing Man Table in three locations around Trinity Health in Minot – the Trinity Hospital Cafeteria, the entrance at Trinity Hospital- St. Joseph’s, and the 1st Floor Centre at Trinity Homes.

The Missing Man or POW/MIA Table honors fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members with specific items that symbolize their courage and sacrifice

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the signing of the agreement or armistice between Germany and the Allied nations that ended World War I at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918 – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, as the first Armistice Day. In his message for the first Armistice Day he expressed what he felt the day meant to Americans. A portion of his message reads:

“Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.

“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.”

In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance.

In 1938, by an act of Congress Nov. 11 became a legal holiday.

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law that changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Our thanks to all who have served and those who continue to serve.