To the editor:

As Veterans Day approaches, I wonder how much people actually know about the holiday. Too many people these days look forward to the day off and not to the real purpose of the holiday. The first Veterans Day, then called Armistice Day, was observed on Nov. 11, 1921, to honor the veterans of World War I. Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1958 by President Eisenhower.

The history behind the holiday is not nearly as important as the meaning behind it. The holiday was established to honor fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen and also surviving veterans. Veterans Day honors those who sacrificed so much defending this great nation and asked so little in return. This day also honors the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America.

I hope this coming Nov. 11 that we all take a step back and appreciate the sacrifice that others have made so we can live in a free country. If you see a service man or woman or a member of the VFW or American Legion, please approach and thank them for their service. We need to give back to those who have given up so much for us.

Craig Potthast,

Eudora