To the Editor:

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, and it is the only American holiday to honor a specific time in our nation's history.

In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, after four years of bitter war, "the war to end all wars" was finally over.

In 1954, President Dwight David Eisenhower signed legislation designating Nov. 11 as Veterans Day - a day which a "grateful nation may pay proper homage to all of its veterans who contributed so much to world peace and the preservation of our way of life."

It is a day to remember and gratefully recognize the sacrifices and hardships by the many men and women who were, and still are, in service to our country. We must also remember and never forget our MIAs. They are missing in action, but they are not missing from our hearts.

It is a day to hope and pray for peace. It is a day to dream of a brighter future. It is a day to remember that we all have an obligation to guard the legacy of our founding fathers; the legacy of freedom, justice and liberty.

Freedom is never free.

So stand up, America, and cheer them. Stand up, America, and honor them.

Michael A. Salvadore

Graniteville