The date and time to remember: 11:00 AM on the 11^th day of the 11^th month, November. This event was first celebrated as Armistice Day, established by then President Wilson in 1919, one year after the World War I armistice. From mid-1914 to until this exact time, 11:00 AM on November 11, 1918, the death and destruction wrought during this war was unimaginable. Millions of people were killed – close to 10 million soldiers killed and over 21 million wounded. Those not killed in combat died from starvation, exposure to the elements, and disease. It was the war to end all wars – or it was thought at the time. Unfortunately, it was not the “war to end all wars.” World War II was even more devastating, killing over 60 million people.

This day has been celebrated for years, though in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day. Now, it is a US Federal Holiday that honors all military American Veterans, both those that died, and those that served.

It’s a date and time to remember. Here are some paraphrased thoughts from Dusty Johnson, US Congressman, South Dakota:

Throughout our nation’s history, more than 41 million servicemen and women have vowed to make the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom and mine. Veterans Day is a day to stop and remember those who have chosen service and sacrifice to protect their families, towns, states, and our country.

As citizens of the greatest country on earth, we are privileged to have many freedoms granted to us. Yet without defenders of these freedoms, they could be lost. America’s service members work year-round to protect our country at home and abroad. Domestically they train and learn, provide safety within our borders and abroad, protecting American interests and our allies.

Just some of the rights we are granted as Americans are the freedom of speech, religion, and the right to vote—which we had the opportunity to participate in this week. Because of the dedication these service members have shown, you and I had the opportunity to vote in our democratic republic—a government chosen by the people, for the people.

America’s freedoms and values are worth defending.

For all those that have served our country, thank you for your service! Wisconsin Harley-Davidson remembers you and the sacrifices you made in service to our country.