Each Nov. 11, we give our men and women of the military a special salute and shout-out.  
They make many sacrifices daily to protect us. These brave men and women go beyond the call of duty to protect our freedoms and to ensure we live in a safe nation. Many times, they must leave their families to go on extended deployments to foreign countries so our families can be protected.
In an effort to honor and show a token of appreciation, November 11 has been designated as Veterans Day.
According to military.com, Veterans Day commemorates the end of World War I, which officially took place Nov. 11, 1918. Legislation passed in 1938 dedicated Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to honor World War I veterans. Then, on June 1, 1954, legislation expanded that to include veterans of World War II and the Korean War. In 1968, it was changed to the last Monday in October, but went back to Nov. 11 in 1975.
Veterans Day 2013 will fall on a Monday, and most federal and state offices will be closed in honor of this special holiday. Celebrations will be held nationwide. Many cities and towns will hold parades to honor and celebrate our veterans. Flags will be flown throughout the nation as a symbol of our freedom.
A few years ago, the city of Hinesville, which is home to so many veterans, started having an annual parade to honor our veterans. This year marks the fifth annual edition of the parade.
The East Liberty County American Legion Post 321 will present the parade starting at 10 a.m. Nov. 16, according to cityofhinesville.org. The Hinesville Military Affairs Committee will host a Veterans Salute Day the same day. The website says money raised for this event will be donated to the Veterans Memorial Walk at Bryant Commons.
Because many active-duty service members, veterans and their families attend and participate in local churches, the faith community also honors and recognizes them on their special holiday. Some churches will recognize their veterans and military members today with special activities and programs. They will be given flags, their names will be posted on the bulletin board and in the program bulletin, poems will be read, and they will be honored with luncheons and breakfasts.
Their efforts are not in vain, and they are not taken for granted.  Citizens of this country appreciate and applaud veterans for their fearless defense of this and other countries.