Have you hugged a veteran today?

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as "The Great War."

Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to veterans everywhere.

During the Vietman War era, there was a skewed idea of what patriotism was all about. Men and women who returned from war were spit upon and viewed as murderers and traitors. People confused their politics and with pacifism, and took it out on the soldiers. People have a right to protest, even against military action, for that is the very premise that we hold near and dear as a nation — our right to assemble and to raise our voices in collective outrage. But to direct it toward those who are putting their lives on the line, most who are young and willing and looking for a cause (or were given a cause and a gun) — well, that’s just un-American.

Thankfully, nowadays we have redirected our arguments and outrage to where they belong — with the elected officials. Which gives us the clarity and appreciation to welcome home, with open arms, our present-day veterans. And they deserve our adolation, our thanks and our prayers. They are the new faces of war: strong, able-bodied (when they leave, at least) and, in many cases, signing up for a second or third tour of duty. We can make up for our behavior toward our Vietnam vets. You don’t have to look far to find a vet in Lynbrook or East Rockaway. World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, The Persian Gulf War, or Operatio Iraqi Freedom — the lucky ones have come home, and they need us. Our thanks, our respect, our outreached hand.

Shake the hand of a veteran today — or better yet, give ‘em a hug. It will be rewarding to them, and to you.

Observing Veterans Day in East Rockaway and Lynbrook

The East Rockaway American Legion, along with the VFW #3350, will be conducting a ceremony on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the triangle, Atlantic Avenue and Main Street in East Rockaway. A breakfast will follow at the American Legion, just across the street.

In Lynbrook, the VFW will hold services as follows: 9:30 a.m., a continental breakfast at the Merrick Road post; 10:15 a.m., an outdoor service at the same location; and at 10:45 a.m. a muster at the Dough Boy, near LIRR station, for 11 am. service. Comments about this column? Mmalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext.202.