Monday is Veterans Day, the day the nation sets aside to honor the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces.

Veterans Day originally celebrated the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

Now Veterans Day celebrates not only the armistice anniversary but also all of the men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces.

The holiday is celebrated on Nov. 11, which will be Monday, and many people will have the day off from work for the holiday.

Ask many veterans and they will tell you a simple, “Thank you for your service,” is a kind enough gesture to observe Veterans Day, and perhaps it is a good way to acknowledge their sacrifice, but that is too simple.

Take a few moments this Veterans Day to ponder the sacrifices our service men and women, both current and past, have made to keep our freedoms, protect our Constitution and our form of government.

Their service has kept our nation strong for more than 200 years.

Also, think of the toll that service has taken on many of the men and women who have served and look for ways to help them with struggles they could be having in their lives as they return to civilian life or as they age.

Plenty of organizations exist to offer such service, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Home With Heroes or the Veterans Affairs office in Adams County.

Make a donation to help those organizations fill the needs of local veterans, or, if you are able, volunteer your time to help veterans in the community throughout the year.

Meanwhile to all the veterans out there, thank you for your service.

We owe our freedom to your sacrifices.

May we never forget that.