It is now November. Monday, Nov. 11th is Veteran’s Day. It began in 1918 (then called Armistice Day) when World War I came to an end after approximately four years of conflict. The holiday has a fascinating history. Throughout the years, various Presidents suggested ways to evolve its observance. In 1919 President Wilson said, “We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe…..The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for higher purposes and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in the furtherance of the common interests of men.”

As years passed, this day was celebrated across America (and other countries) by Veterans’ parades, both religious and secular public services and moments of silence to honor the dead. In 1921, President Harding requested that flags be flown at half mast on that day and that all Americans pay silent tribute at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of each year to those who have served our country in battle.

As time passed, other wars including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recently the Gulf War and Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have occurred. In order to honor all Veterans for their service to our nation the holiday now is called Veteran’s Day.

These thoughts only touch upon the history and significance surrounding this day. Compared to sports, it is solemn and serious, yet without our Veterans to honor, we might not have the joy and freedom to root for a favorite team, revel in the dreams of playing in the big leagues someday or the elation of a World Series victory.

It is likely that each town will have an observance of Veterans Day on Monday. (This does not include a 7a.m. trip to the mall for the 30 percent Veterans Day Extravaganza!) May parents take their children to these events and explain the meaning of the day and the endless gratitude and respect owed to our Veterans. May schools find ways to incorporate this vital information into their lesson plans. Students might even be encouraged to go home and ask who in their family and ancestry is or was a Veteran and what is known about that person’s service to the country. Since so many have had great practice using the internet to vote for their favorite Red Sox line-up, it should be easy to find information online about honoring Veterans and even research family connections. Of course there is still that old fashioned, yet beloved place called the library, too. May television stations cover Veterans observances, features about individuals and past traditions with the same vigor and depth with which they followed the World Series. This year, maybe it be approached with honor and an intention to inform rather than a chance to express political bias.

We must remember how blessed we are to live in this country, despite its faults. We have this privilege today thanks to our Veterans. May we renew our commitment to these brave servants of the USA and make Veterans Day as American as Mom, apple pie, and….yes; baseball.

Mary Jane Hanron is a freelance writer who lives in Hingham.