There are 21.8 million veterans of the U.S. armed forces as of 2014, according the Census Bureau.

That’s 21.8 million reasons to say thank you on Nov. 11. Ninety-seven years ago, the country marked the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “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 the nations…”

In Lincoln County, there are several groups working to honor veterans. Students at Alexander Junior High School are sending letters to the non-profit Operation Gratitude as a way to say thanks to the nation’s veterans. The John Edwards Post 12 American Legion will be purchasing wreaths for Wreaths Across America, a group that supplies wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,000 locations nationwide.

And on Tuesday, the Lincoln County Veterans Day event will be held at the Civic Center at 6 p.m. Discounts and promotions will be handed out to veterans in attendance, and there will also be door prizes during the event. Churches will also honor veterans during services this morning.

These small expressions of thanks are meaningful to the men and women who have bravely served our nation. As we approach Veterans Day, we encourage everyone to salute a veteran or a member of his or her family.

We offer our thanks to all who have served in the armed forces. America remains a great nation because of you.