Nov. 11, designated Veterans Day because it marks the signing of the armistice agreement that ended World War I, is a day set aside to remember the service of so many millions of men and women who have served us all.

Unlike Memorial Day, which recognizes those who died in conflict, Veterans Day is an opportunity to remember the efforts of all those who served in our military.

Appreciation of our military has come into vogue in the wake of the September 11th terrorists attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.

And yet, still too many of us fail to take time out to recognize our military veterans when we have an opportunity.

There are opportunities aplenty. In Knightdale, residents will gather on Sunday afternoon. In Wendell, veterans normally gather at the American Legion Hut on Veterans Day. This year's event will not take place because many of the veterans will be in Washington D.C. visiting war memorials. The Knightdale celebration, however, gives you an opportunity to seek out a veteran and thank them for their service.

Whether they served during peacetime or in a time of war, their efforts have helped preserve your opportunity to participate in the exercise of democracy that took place yesterday: Election Day.

We hope you will take advantage of this tailor-made opportunity to say thank you to a veteran for his or her service.

They are two small words.

But they mean a lot.