November 11 is Veterans Day in America. A day to honor each and every veteran who has served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to mark the armistice which was signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany. Signed at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 it marked the end of the First World War.

It was first declared in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson which makes this year the 100th anniversary of its establishment.

Other American allies around the world also honor their veterans in varying ways on this special date including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

So however you choose to enjoy this Veterans Day, please don’t treat it as just another holiday, and be sure to take time this week to remember that our lives would not be what they are today if our brave American veterans did not serve, sacrifice and risk their all. Take a moment to give thanks, it is the very least you can do.