Veterans Day: A time to reflect Published Nov. 10, 2009 By Maj. Tim Martz 94th Security Forces Squadron Commander DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The historical significance of Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11 each year, takes us back to November 11, 1918. A cessation of hostilities took place between Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of that year, bringing about the beginning of the end of World War I. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed November 11th as Armistace Day commemorating the "War to end all Wars" and paying tribute to the veterans of WWI. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation enacted by Congress officially changing Armistace Day to Veterans Day, expanding this day of observance to honor all veterans who have served and are serving our great nation. Here at Dobbins we are blessed with a multitude of opportunities to celebrate those who have gone before us to answer our nations call by serving in our Armed Forces. We can and must reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We can always keep their families in our thoughts and prayers. We can also visit the Georgia National Cemetery and honor the heroes that we have lost. We can, on Veterans Day or any day, thank those veterans who have served faithfully and honorably before us. Remember, a good majority of our civilian employees served in uniform; many of them during times of war. Take the time to thank them. We can also thank and encourage our future Veterans; we can give our Airmen the support they deserve simply by doing our jobs well. We can rededicate our support to the next generation of Veterans who are braving today's fight, not only on Veterans Day, but every day. Veterans Day is a time to celebrate our Veterans and to show them our deepest appreciation and respect. It is also a time to reflect, remember, and appreciate the valor and sacrifice of all Veterans. Lastly, Veterans Day provides us as an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to tomorrow's Veterans today. Take advantage of these opportunities!