On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 106 years ago, the hostilities of World War I came (for the most part) to an end. But though it was billed as the war to end all wars, American troops have continued to put their lives on the line for the rest of us and the world during another century’s worth of fighting.

And so, since 1954, we have paused on Veterans Day to honor those men and women who have served us, in the U.S. armed forces.

Those who chose — and those who had no choice — to serve sacrificed everything. Some did not come home. Others bear the scars of their service, visible and not. Many have continued to find ways to serve our country and humanity. They remain in the reserves. They become part of military-affiliated organizations that put together toy drives, food drives and other community service efforts. They use what they learned in the military to become leaders in our communities. They continue to serve. Some of them call it “completing the mission.”

“Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”

On this Veterans Day, take a moment to think about that. You may be enjoying a day off, with the freedom to do with it whatever you choose, in a country with limitless possibilities. Should you be presented with the opportunity, please show your gratitude to one of the brave men and women who made that possible.

And to those veterans, we, too, say “Thank you.”

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

• Winston Churchill

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

• John F. Kennedy