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

That’s 21.8 million reasons to say thank you today.

Ninety-eight years ago, the country marked the end of “the war to end all wars.” The next year, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 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. The Lincoln Civic Center’s annual Veterans Day celebration is today. Veterans and their families will be served a meal starting at 5:15 p.m., and a program will begin at 6 p.m., with Miss Mississippi Laura Lee Lewis singing the national anthem. Pianist Marvin Curtis will also provide entertainment for the evening.

American flags marking the graves of veterans in Rosehill, East Haven, Carver Heights and Hillcrest cemeteries will remain until Saturday morning, when the American Legion will gather the 3,000 flags to store until Memorial Day next year. Volunteers will be needed at the cemeteries Saturday morning to pick up the flags. For information call American Legion Post Commander Keith Reeves at 601-835-8173.

These expressions of thanks are meaningful to the men and women who have bravely served our nation. As we celebrate 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.