Each year on Nov. 11 we pause and pay tribute to the men and women who served our country through the military.

Our Veterans Day, we stop and salute – the flag, the men and women, their valor and honor, their memories.

When President Woodrow Wilson first declared Armistice Day in 1919, in the wake of World War I, he urged Americans to reflect on the “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 council of nations.”

His words ring as true today as they did nearly a century ago. We should remember and honor the heroism of all who fought and died, and all who gave their time and energy in support of our freedom.

We exercised that freedom earlier this week, as we voted in local, state and national elections. And while our votes show a nation divided in political philosophy, our resolve as Americans reminds us that we a nation unified in our freedom –a freedom earned and protected by the men and women who defend our country.

So take time this weekend to give pause – and give thanks – in honor of our veterans. It’s their efforts that have given us the opportunities we have today.

And we thank them for their service.