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We are fortunate to enjoy many liberties and freedoms in this country. These liberties and freedoms — taken for granted by some, seen as a right by others — are made possible by the sacrifices of the men and women in the United States Armed Forces. Freedom isn’t free; there is a price to be paid, and that debt has been paid for by our veterans.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was created in recognition of the ending hostilities of World War I. In 1918, on the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany. In 1938, Nov. 11 became a federal holiday in the United States, and in June 1954, the holiday was officially changed to Veterans Day, a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans stand up for all Americans regardless of race, social standing, political party or individual beliefs. They willingly put their very lives on the line to defend the United States of America and her people.

To all those who have served and sacrificed in the past and those who continue to serve and sacrifice so that we may enjoy our many freedoms and privileges, we thank you. We owe a great debt of gratitude to each and every one of you.