Unfortunately, “the war to end all wars” that concluded 96 years ago did not end all wars.

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

So it is only more appropriate that we gather on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to commemorate Veterans Day (formerly known as Armistice Day) in Fountain Hills and all that it signifies.

Fountain Hills is home to many veterans and three strong veterans’ service organizations – AMVETS, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. All three groups will come together Tuesday at the Veterans Memorial in Fountain Park to commemorate Veterans Day.

We urge citizens of all ages to attend the 11 a.m. ceremony and honor our veterans, many of whom fought courageously (since World War I) on foreign territory to protect our freedoms and the freedom of others from tyranny. Congress in 1926 passed a concurrent resolution recognizing the end of World War I. Part of the resolution stated, “It is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.”

And so we gather Tuesday to thank our veterans and to pray for peace.