President Woodrow Wilson certainly had a surprise awaiting him after his re-election in 1916. He barely defeated his opponent running on the campaign slogan, “He kept us out of war,” only to be dragged into war with Germany in April 1917.

World War I was brutal and the sacrifices great. And Wilson knew it. So on Nov. 11, 1919, he made a proclamation honoring those who served:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

After WWII, at the suggestion of WWII Veteran Raymond Weeks, Armistice Day was expanded to celebrate and honor all veterans, not just those from WWI.

Edmonds is certainly no stranger to honoring veterans and their families. In 2012, Mayor Earling issued a proclamation declaring that year in the city as the Military Veterans Promotions Year. Earlier this year, Edmonds established a Veterans Plaza, joining thousands of other cities that have dedicated an area – whether it be a park or a plaza – to show their appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice those who serve (which includes the family) make on behalf of this country.

In keeping with tradition, this November there are several noteworthy events in Edmonds in which you can participate in to learn more about not only what it means to serve or what the life of a military family experiences, but also what you can do to show your support and appreciation.

On Monday, Nov. 10, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) will honor our country’s Veterans in the upcoming “FROM THE FRONT” at Edmonds Center for the Arts at 7:30pm.

Host and curator Paul Morgan Stetler will be joined by some of Seattle’s most accomplished actors to read letters written to and from soldiers giving vivid accounts of their experiences from their first day of boot camp to their battles on the front lines and beyond.

You can buy tickets at www.ec4arts.org.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, plan to join Edmonds Post 8870, elected leaders, veterans, their families, and others at 11 a.m. at the recently dedicated Veterans Plaza in downtown Edmonds, 250 5^th Ave. N.

City and community leaders will speak in honor of all who have served, including Edmonds Mayor David Earling and artist and founder of the Fallen Heroes Project, Michael Reagan. No tickets required.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lynnwood Convention Center on Tuesday, Nov. 11, OMF Cares will be hosting its “After the Hug” National Gala Event. This event will feature and honor veterans from WWII to present day, the US Army Color Guard, and special guest speakers Former Navy SEAL Mark Divine and Washington State Director of Veterans Affairs Alfie Alvarado-Ramos.

Tickets can be purchased at www.OMFCares.org.

Bottom line: Make this Veterans Day more than just a day off or some mad-dash day to grab a sales discount. Take this day, whether you have it off or not, to pause and honor those who have gone before and those who continue to serve, not only with a simply “thank you,” but with something even more precious – your time.

— By Michael Schindler

Michael Schindler, Navy veteran, and president of Edmonds-based Operation Military Family, is a guest writer for several national publications, author of the book “Operation Military Family” and “The Military Wire” blog. He is also a popular keynote and workshop speaker who reaches thousands of service members and their families every year through workshops and seminars that include “How to Battle-Ready Your Relationship” or “What Your Mother-in-Law Didn’t Tell You.” He received the 2010 Outstanding Patriotic Service Award from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.