When Congress created the beginning of what we now call Veterans’ Day, legislators were acknowledging the end of World War I, “the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals,” and celebrating the United States’ “peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed.”

As we all know, those peaceful relations have been severed again and again and our country’s list of veterans – and reasons for marking this day – keeps growing. Families with loved ones serving in Iraq and Afghanistan know this all too well.

Barely more than a week after a contentious election that has political pundits debating all the issues that divide our country, today is a good day to remember one of many issues that unites us: The gratitude we share for our troops.

Today those troops include thousands deployed from the National Guard, women and men who probably never imagined what they were really signing up for. Now they’re bravely fighting and dying for their country. The Washington Army and Air National Guard alone has about 3,600 troops mobilized, according to the latest update on the Washington National Guard’s Web site. Because of security measures, it’s unclear where all those troops are, but it’s probably safe to bet many of them have found themselves leaving behind jobs and families to spend 24 hours a day in hostile territory.

Herald columnist Kristi O’Harran recently told the story of Arlington veterans on a mission to raise $15,000 for a memorial in their city. One man lamented that young people don’t understand. When soldiers finally return home, their lives are sometimes shattered and scarred.

“It doesn’t hurt so bad when people say thank you for your service,” Danny Moses said. “Give us a pat on the back or a shake of the hand.”

Despite the disdain many Americans have for the war in Iraq, people share a genuine concern for our soldiers. Stories of school children gathering money and supplies for troops touches us. It also serves as a reminder that our country and our youth still value the service of our soldiers.

If you haven’t already made plans to attend one of the many Veterans’ Day events listed in the newspaper recently, consider your options. At the very least, take time out of your schedule to recognize the people who have served or are currently serving in our military.

It’s amazing what a simple thank-you can do today.