It often happens in the grocery store—someone recognizes the hat or insignia worn by a veteran and says, “Thank you for your service.”

It’s always a heartwarming moment to witness, but you have the option to not just be a bystander but the one saying those words.

Tomorrow, November 11, we honor all veterans on Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day when World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when the Armistice with Germany (a formal, mutual agreement) went into effect.

One year later, President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to the country on the first Armistice Day: “To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”

Today, we honor and recognize veterans across Sullivan County with our Salute on pages 1B-8B.

Flipping through these pages and seeing the faces of the real men and women who have served or continue to serve our country is a reminder of the tenacity, bravery and sacrifices it takes to be in the military.

You will also find a list of events in honor of Veterans Day being held tomorrow (see page 1B), in Kauneonga Lake, Eldred, Liberty, Long Eddy, Monticello, Summitville and Wurtsboro.

And as Chris Leser wrote on page 2B, “Thank you for not forgetting us!”

Thank you Chris, and all of the other veterans and their families, for taking the time to honor your servicemen and women in today’s edition of the Sullivan County Democrat.