Community Commentary:

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the great powers signed the treaty to end the war “that would end all wars.” We have dedicated this date, Nov. 11, in memory of those brave men and women who died in World War I and in every American war.

As American troops continue to risk their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and return home to join the ranks of almost 24 million veterans, the Veterans Day holiday has had certain immediacy in recent years. At least it should.

Throughout our history, many brave Americans have given their lives in defense of freedom, and many more have demonstrated their willingness to do the same. For many veterans, that service came at a steep price. Some came home wounded, disfigured, blinded or paralyzed.

Many endured tremendous stress under fire or the constant threat of it. They did not forget their duty, and we should not forget their sacrifice.

Whether their service came a year, or 15, or 40 or 60 years ago, it’s never too late to say thank you.

This summer marked the 65th anniversary of D-Day and the 64th anniversary of V-J Day, and our hard fought victory against Nazi Germany, Japan and the other Axis powers.

The veterans of World War II fought valiantly to defeat tyranny around the globe and then came home to transform America into an economic superpower.

The postwar boom was pronounced in California, where many vets who’d passed through during the war returned to build new lives and a better California.

Sadly, of the more than 16 million American troops who served in WWII, only about 2 million are alive today. By 2020, the Veterans’ Administration predicts that only 210,000 will remain.

On Nov. 11 we honor California’s WWII veterans and recognize their enormous contributions to the world, our nation and to the Golden State while we can still look them in the eyes and shake their hands.

On that same day we also honor the younger veterans — those that have fought in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Beirut, Somalia and any other American military action.

American holidays so easily succumb to linen sales and classic TV marathons, but this is one whose true meaning we really should not forget.

The freedoms we as Americans enjoy, and perhaps too often take for granted, can be lost if we do not fight to preserve them.

On Veterans Day we are asked to honor those brave men and women who have put on our nation’s uniform and taken up arms to defend what we hold most dear.

Take time to thank them this week. Whether they served a year, or 40, or 60 years ago, it’s never too late to express our gratitude for their service.

TOM HARMAN is a state senator covering the 35th District, which includes Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley.