Happy Veterans Day!

To all the veterans of the United States Armed Forces—thank you for your service.

November 11th.

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—when the fighting ceased in World War I.

Originally known as Armistice Day, back when the War to End All Wars looked like it might have done that, and changed to Veterans Day in 1954 when it had become abundantly clear that it hadn’t, this is our national holiday to honor the patriotism and sacrifice of our veterans.

I hope none of them will think I mean to diminish their contribution when I say I hope we are approaching a time when the world will learn to live without such sacrifice.

I’m not the first, and, unfortunately, I probably won’t be the last to say it—but wouldn’t it be nice if we could figure that out?

You know—before the eleventh hour?