On November 11, 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice ended World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. Because the November 11th date held historic and patriotic significance to many Americans, Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional November 11th date in 1978.

Today is Veteran's Day. While I've always been patriotic, I must admit that when I was working at my first job at a credit union and found out that I had off on a day other than Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, I just thought it was "neat". Several men in my family had been served in the military but I never connected the two. Over time, I began to look at this day completely different. Many of the men and women that I had worked with in Federal law enforcement had previously served in the armed forces. They were in love with our country -- for better or worse -- and cherished freedom, understanding it came at a cost. Their unselfishness enabled them to put their lives on the line so that others could enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My husband is one of these men and I am proud of his service. Many thanks to all veterans ~ you are in my thoughts and prayers and I am eternally grateful for your commitment!