It was to be the “War to end wars” and to “Make the world safe for democracy.” That’s what the doughboys of t-he 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 – commemorated as Veterans Day today – ended the fighting. Sadly. it didn’t end all wars. Around the globe since N ilien, there have been dozens ‘ to conflicts large and small, including the massive World War ll (193945) and the current war between Iran and Iraq. W But Americans still hold aloft the standards of peace and freedom. Veterans Day is dedicated to these 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 ”1lth 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 three-day holiday weekend. But the war veterans didn’t like tampering with tradition. Protests mounted- and effective in 1978, Congress returned the commemoration to Nov. 11, At Veterans Day ceremonies across the land, ex-servicemen reflect on sacrifices made for liberty and peace, and renew their commitment to American principles. it also is appropriate today to note the l1.$, Mariiie Corps is observing its 205tb anniversary. . “-, ‘ – The corps wyatablished Nov. 10, 1775 E ..Q(fi.’0f the Continenta’LlCongress which authorizechtwo battalions, Y The Coninental Marines fought'”WltH”the Colonial Army during the American Revolution. They also sailed with the Navy to raid a British fort in the Bahama Islands and become the first U.S. troops ever to fight overseas. . 4. 4 In-.’1800 the Marines Corps lhadionly 38 officers and 487 enlisted men. The corps grew. fo.52,000 during World War I and to i more pthan 435,000 (including 22,000 women) during World War II. Today the corpsha branch of the Navy Department, has an authorized complement of some 190,000 including 5,000 women, with Gen. Robert I-I. Barrow as the commandant. An all-volunteer fighting force, the Marines are at full complement, say recruiters. With an illustrious history, the Marines fought in every U.S. war since the Revolution. Their motto. “Semper fidelis,” means “Always faithful.” l ,