On November 11, 1918, 43 years ago, an end to the fighting of World War I was declared when the Allied and German armies met in northern France. Armistice day, as it was once known, is now called Veterans' day.

Since it is a legal holiday, most schools are dismissed. This year the day is on a Saturday which will mean that it will go by unnoticed by many.

To some people, however, it will bring back the memories of loved ones who gave up their lives in the wars or those who suffered physical disabilities while fighting for their country. It will remind many that freedom is costly and cannot be had without fighting for what we believe in.

Most of the allied countries commemorate this event. British Veterans' day services are held in front of the Cenotaph in London, and the French services at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The observance in the U.S. is centered at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington National cemetery. In many places throughout the world, the blowing of taps and a period of silence is observed at 11 a.m., the hour at which the fighting stopped in World War I.

Congress made Armistice day a legal holiday in 1938. Later it was designated as Veterans' day so that the heroes of all wars might be honored.

World War I was believed to be the end of all wars. The devastation and loss of life in this war were astounding. We know too well the history that followed ‑ Germany's rearmament, Hitler, World War II, Korea, and now the cold war, perhaps the worst of them all.

We must remember Veterans' day, not for what it originally stood, but as a momentous time in our history when men weren't afraid to fight for what they thought was right. We have a Veterans' day to honor those men who fought for their rights and their country.

Maine West will do its part by having a Veterans' day assembly, the first and seventh periods, November 10.