Saturday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a day to honor and pay tribute to the veterans who have served and who continue to serve the United States. This holiday was originally known as Armistice Day in celebration and remembrance of the Armistice, or truce, which was signed on Nov. 11, 1918, ending World War I.

At the time, World War I had surpassed all other wars in terms of its level of destruction. It was thought to be the war to end all wars. When the truce that brought down the curtain on the war was finally signed, the entire world rejoiced. Americans continued to acknowledge the courage of WWI veterans on each Nov. 11 thereafter. In 1938, Congress passed a bill officially designating Nov. 11 as the day to “be dedicated to the cause of world peace…hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.”

This Veterans Day, I pray we will also remember those who are currently serving around the world. These servicemen and women continue our nation’s proud tradition of fighting for the freedom that our forefathers secured for us.

I am honored to serve as your senator in the Missouri Senate. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-8793 or Sandy.Crawford@senate.mo.gov.