Veteran's Day: Remembering Soldiers and Famous Quotes

Put on a poppie.

For all the soldiers who have served their country, and for all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the name of American freedom and democracy -- today we pay our respects.

Since the holiday was established at the end of World War I on Armistice Day in 1919, celebrations and remembrances have been held every year on November 11th. They are our way of showing that we will never forget the sacrifices made by the men and women throughout America's brief history that have fought in our name.

There are an estimated 23 million veterans living in the United States today, with about 2.5 million from WWII, 3million from the Korean War, 8 million from the Vietnam War, 5 million from the Gulf War and about 1.7 million who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are currently 120,000 still stationed in Iraq.

There is only one American World War I veteran still alive. His name is Frank Buckles, he's 108 years old, and he drove ambulances in France after enlisting at just 16. He also served in WWII and was taken prisoner by the Japanese.

So have a good time today, and remember not to forget. Here are some great quotes about sacrifice, service and soldiers.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. - General Douglas MacArthur

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! - Maya Angelou

In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned.  When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. - Mark Twain, Notebook, 1935

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. - Chinese Proverb

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. - Elmer Davis

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country. - President George Washington