Ninety years ago this week, on Nov. 11, 1919, Americans recognized the first anniversary of the end of World War I with Armistice Day. The holiday later was renamed Veterans Day to honor those who served in all wars.Ninety years ago, it was widely said — and hoped — that World War I would be the “war to end all wars.”Unfortunately, war is very much a reality today.In the decades since Veterans Day was first recognized, millions of Americans from every generation have served, fought and died.Most traded their everyday lives for unfamiliar territory. Many endured horrific and haunting battle zones. And all of them left behind loved ones — some never to see their faces again.While Veterans Day honors those who died in the military, it also brings the opportunity to thank those who live among us. Powell and the surrounding communities are home to soldiers past and present who have made remarkable sacrifices and continue to live with the lingering effects of war.“Wars are not over when the shooting stops. They live on in the lives of those who fight them,” as Vietnam veteran Max Cleland recently wrote.That is true for veterans from World War II, the wars in Vietnam, Korea and the Persian Gulf, as well as the present-day Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Veterans' lives are forever changed by their military service. Our gratitude and respect for them should be just as enduring.

Ninety years ago this week, on Nov. 11, 1919, Americans recognized the first anniversary of the end of World War I with Armistice Day. The holiday later was renamed Veterans Day to honor those who served in all wars.

Ninety years ago, it was widely said — and hoped — that World War I would be the “war to end all wars.”

Unfortunately, war is very much a reality today.

In the decades since Veterans Day was first recognized, millions of Americans from every generation have served, fought and died.

Most traded their everyday lives for unfamiliar territory. Many endured horrific and haunting battle zones. And all of them left behind loved ones — some never to see their faces again.

While Veterans Day honors those who died in the military, it also brings the opportunity to thank those who live among us. Powell and the surrounding communities are home to soldiers past and present who have made remarkable sacrifices and continue to live with the lingering effects of war.

“Wars are not over when the shooting stops. They live on in the lives of those who fight them,” as Vietnam veteran Max Cleland recently wrote.

That is true for veterans from World War II, the wars in Vietnam, Korea and the Persian Gulf, as well as the present-day Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Veterans' lives are forever changed by their military service. Our gratitude and respect for them should be just as enduring.