Veterans Day: Remembering those who answered the call

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, something extraordinary happened. On November 11, 1918, the guns of World War I fell silent as an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany brought an end to the fighting. What was then known as the Great War had finally stopped, and a world exhausted by conflict could begin to hope for peace.

One year later, in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, a day to remember those who had served and sacrificed. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day, expanding its purpose to honor all Americans who had served in our nation’s military.

More than a century after that first armistice, the meaning of November 11 remains as important as ever.

Today, the United States is home to approximately 17.9 million living veterans. Think about that number. Behind every one of those individuals is a story of service, sacrifice, commitment, and patriotism. Some served in combat, others served during peacetime. Some spent decades in uniform, while others completed a single enlistment. But every one of them made a decision to put their country and its mission ahead of themselves.

There is something special about a veteran. Having had the privilege of meeting so many throughout my years of public service, I have always been struck by their character, humility, discipline, and willingness to sacrifice. There is a bond among those who have worn the uniform that is difficult to describe unless you have spent time with them and listened to their stories. They understand what it means to serve something bigger than themselves.

Today, our military is an all-volunteer force. The men and women serving in our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard have made a conscious choice to answer the call. They carry on a tradition established by generations before them. In a world filled with uncertainty, conflict, and challenges, their dedication should never be taken for granted.

One of the proudest opportunities of my life was serving for ten years as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. That experience gave me the opportunity to travel to military installations throughout our country, meet incredible soldiers, and witness firsthand the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve.

It also gave me a much greater appreciation for what it truly takes to defend our nation. It is not simply the soldier standing on the front lines. It takes thousands of people working together: those maintaining equipment, providing medical care, training soldiers, supporting military families, managing logistics, and ensuring our armed forces are ready whenever our nation calls. It also takes a lot of civilians working behind our soldiers to help their missions. I saw the commitment firsthand, and I came away with an even deeper appreciation for the enormous responsibility we place on those who wear our uniform.

Here in the City of Downey, we take great pride in recognizing our veterans and honoring those who have served. Our community understands the importance of remembering their contributions and passing those stories on to future generations. Through our Veterans Day observances, memorial ceremonies, community events, and support for our military families, we demonstrate that service and patriotism remain important parts of who we are.

But recognizing our veterans should not be limited to one day a year.

There are veterans living in our neighborhoods, working in our businesses, attending our churches, and sitting alongside us at restaurants and community gatherings. Some wear their service proudly on their sleeves; others rarely speak about it. Many carry memories and experiences that most of us will never fully understand.

This Veterans Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment. If you see someone who has served, introduce yourself. Ask where they served. Listen to their story. Shake their hand and simply say, “Thank you.”

It is such a small gesture, yet it means so much.

We can never fully repay the debt we owe those who have served our country. But we can make sure they know that their service matters, their sacrifices are appreciated, and their contributions will never be forgotten.

On November 11, let us remember those who answered the call yesterday, honor those who continue to serve today, and recognize the next generation of Americans who will carry that responsibility tomorrow.

May God bless our veterans, protect the men and women currently serving, and continue to bless the United States of America.

We can never fully repay the debt we owe those who have served our country.

Mario A. Guerra is a former mayor of Downey and Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army-Emeritus. He is also the host of Talking Downey podcast and can be reached at www.marioaguerra.com