Veterans Day is here, 94 years after the Armistice of World War I, which prompted President Wilson to make it official. Our Congress changed it to the present name in 1954.

I think all of World War I vets are gone by now, but there are plenty of veterans remaining from every war since, myself included. I served almost four years in the old Army Air Forces of World War II, and am thinking of begging for a free meal today (well, not very hard).

But our veteran forces are huge in today’s America, with Korean, Vietnam vets being swelled by the numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers.

The most recent returnees are most visible today, bringing with them not just memories, but ailments that make veteran care an important commitment of today’s government.

We salute them all today, Nov. ll, a reminder of those who never came back.