Every year at this time, I walk around our small-town cemetery and read the names of the 47 veterans, including one from the American Revolution and one from the Civil War—buried in France and North Carolina, respectively. The grounds are a wave of red, white, and blue as the flags serve as a reminder of those gone before us.

Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day) has a rich history dating back to 1919 to remember the price of peace after WWI. In 1954 the name changed to honor American Veterans of all wars.

Many countries in Europe celebrate Armistice Day. Great Britain has Remembrance Sunday, and Canada has Remembrance Day. In Europe, Great Britain, and the Commonwealth, it is the tradition to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.

As I walk around the cemetery on November 11, I will say a prayer of our country, always thankful for the ones who served and fought for our freedom.

Will you join me?