Friday, Nov. 9, 2001 | 4:40 a.m.
Eighty-two years ago today President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, what we now call Veterans Day. Armistice Day commemorated peace -- the ending of World War I, which occurred at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.
The United States has always entered wars reluctantly. But when this nation has become engaged, especially when its citizens or our armed forces are directly attacked, it has done so with a ferocity that the enemy didn't expect from such a peaceful people -- as is the case now with our war against terrorism.
While Veterans Day is a celebration of peace, it also is a time, especially during war, to reflect on what we should do to create a safer world for Americans and our allies around the globe. We extend our gratitude to all the dedicated men and women in the armed forces -- those who have served in the past and those who today are working to secure a lasting peace.
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