It has to be the ”War to end wars” and to ”make the world safe for Democracy.” That’s what the doughboys of the American “Expeditionary Forces thought as they entered World War I in France in 1917 and helped turn the tide for the allies against the Germany-led central powers. The armistice of Nov. 11, 1918 – to be commemorated as Veterans Day today – ended the fighting. Sadly. it didn’t end all wars. Around the globe since then, the world has seen dozens of conflicts large and small, from bloody World War II (193945) to the current war between Iran and Iraq. But Americans still hold aloft the standards of peace and freedom. Veterans Day is dedicated to those goals and to honoring the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. It was in 1919 that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day to commemorate the storied ”11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918 when World War I hostilities came to a close. In 1954, after the Korean Conflict, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day. Congress, in revamping American holidays, moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October starting in 1971 to create another threeday holiday weekend. But the war veterans didn’t like tampering with tradition. Protests mounted – and effective in 1978, congress retumed the commemoration to Nov. 11. At Veterans Day ceremonies across the land, ex-servicemen will reflect on sacrifices made for liberty and peace, and renew their commitment to American principles. The country would benefit in spirit if the general citizenry would do the same.