Veterans Day is a national holiday that originally began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, honoring all members of the U.S. armed services. It coincides with other holidays around the world, including Remembrance Day, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed, officially changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all military veterans.

The holiday is sometimes confused with Memorial Day, held in May, which recognizes those who died while in military service; and Armed Forces Day, also observed in May, which honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

I know we have a number of veterans among our community and I would like to "thank you" for your service. I come from big family who wore the uniform proudly, mainly in the Air Force. My uncle Robert, my brother Steve and I are the only ones living. The ones pictured below are in order of yours truly, my dad and my uncle Robert.

Phillip Zirkle (Father) US Army Air Corp, PFC, WWI - Refueler (B17s) Chuck Zirkle, USAF, SSgt, VN Era - Administration Stephen Zirkle (Brother), USAF, Sgt, VN Era - Helicopter firefighter Robert Zirkle (Step Brother), USAF, AIC - Ground firefighter Ray Zirkle (Uncle), USAACorp/USAF, MSgt, WWII/Korea (Ret) - B17 Flight Engineer Vann Zirkle (Cousin), USAF, MSGT (Ret) - Musician, AF Jazz Band James Zirkle (Uncle), USAF, MSgt, Korea/Vietnam (Ret) - Personnel Robert Zirkle (Uncle), USAF, MSgt, Korea/Vietnam (Ret) - Intelligence Tommy Jones (Cousin), USN, VN Era