“Grandpa what’s a veteran?” the little boy asked as he sat upon the old man’s lap.

The pepper-haired man squinted his eyes in concentration, and then he said, “Look at those folks across the park, the ones all wearing the pointy hats, those men and women are veterans. … See how careful they treat the flag? See how neat they stand together? They are men and women of honor.”

“So they were soldiers in the war?” the boy asked solemnly.

“Some of them were in the worst places on earth, some of them weren’t, but all of them prepared to fight for their country, our country. They learned the skills of war, they learned the value of peace, and they shared the belief in freedom.”

“You must be a veteran grandpa because those are the things you talk about,” the boy said as he smiled up at his grandfather.

“Yes, my boy I certainly am.” The man beamed as he stood, he adjusted his pointy hat, he checked the position of his belt buckle and gave salute as the flag rose quickly to the top of the pole.

Yes, I am he thought to himself.

“I am very proud to have served my country,” he told the boy as he patted the young child’s head. “Yes, I am,” he muttered once again.

The historically fictitious story above shows those of us who question just what Veterans’ Day means in a collection of very few words. It describes who is represented on Nov. 11 beginning at the 11th hour. We borrow from the history even farther back to the conclusion of “The War to End All Wars” or World War I.

In recognition of the brave trench soldiers and to commemorate a proud victory in Europe the United States claimed that date and time as Armistice Day. Future thoughts of another war were the farthest from any Americans mind. The country honored the “doughboys: with this holiday. It lasted a few years until the next war. The holiday continued and when it was extended to honor more soldiers from more times of combat the change from its title to Veterans Day was completed.

Veterans Day was to honor all the participants of uniformed service to the United States of America. It was also kept at great distance from the solemn day at the end of May that is reserved for honoring our military who’ve died. Both days represent great recognition to our American armed service men and women both dead and alive.

On this sacred day in November, use your opportunity to shake a veteran’s hand. Pat them on the back and thank them for defending the freedoms around the globe that we enjoy every day.

Have a very happy and respectful Veterans Day!

Kirk L. Miller is a Fredonia resident and first Vice Commander of the Chautauqua County American Legion, 8th District, Department of New York, Fredonia Memorial Post 59.