AFSC Commander's Message: Honoring our Veterans Published Nov. 10, 2015 By Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II Commander, AFSC TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Fellow Airmen, Veterans Day is a time to honor American Veterans of all wars. Each year we set aside this day to remember our military service members, both living and passed. From those who fought and died in brutal trench warfare during World War I to those who take the fight to our enemies on the ground and in the air today, these men and women of our Armed Forces are owed our respect and gratitude. This day of reflection originated from the signing of an armistice--a temporary cessation of hostilities--on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., when all fighting ceased between the Allied nations and Germany, effectively ending World War I. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m. The actual legal federal holiday was approved by Congress in 1938. It wasn't until 1954 following World War II and the Korean War that Congress replaced "Armistice" with "Veterans," amending the original Act to commemorate November 11 -- a day in America when veterans of all wars are honored. We take this day to recognize and remember the sacrifices each of our veterans made to keep our country safe. From The Great War to the recent campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, our veterans have an experience to share and we must take the time to listen. Their stories are interwoven into the fabric that is our country, and strengthens the bond between our families and citizens. We salute with pride, our warfighters past and present who made the commitment to uphold the constitution and defend our nation from all enemies. In closing, I ask that you join me in paying tribute to generations of veterans for service this Veterans Day. On this Veterans Day, we give thanks for their Service and Sacrifice. Your fellow Airman, LKL II LEE K. LEVY II Lieutenant General, USAF Commander, AFSC