GULF SHORES, Ala. — Veterans Day, the annual time for remembering the end of World War I and the brave Americans who served in the “war to end all wars,” also draws from the news headlines of the day. It's important to remember the price that is paid by so many veterans to maintain our freedom.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day. The guns fell silent in World War I at 11a.m., Nov. 11, 1918. While the day has strong historical roots, current events continue to add meaning to the day. We have thousands of men and women serving in harm's way today. Many are coming home and looking for assistance in finding jobs and a place to live, and needing community and family support.

“Today, thousands of Americans are serving in uniform. They sacrifice in the war on terror and in hundreds of locations around the globe so we may remain free. They, too, are veterans,” Derrick Schlieper, commander of American Legion Post 44 of Gulf Shores said. "This is a time to honor veterans of years past and those serving today,"

Also, part of the sacrifice too often includes unemployment or underemployment when the veteran's military service is over. It's America's business to ensure our veterans return home with good jobs.

And don't forget the 1.2 million women that have worn the military uniform. Women are major contributors to our military presence in Afghanistan and many have given their lives in the Global War on Terrorism.

It's truly tragic that the men and women who allow us to be safe in our homes become one-in-four of America's homeless population. Nine out of 10 were honorably discharged and nearly half served during the Vietnam War.

To mark Veterans Day and offer thanks to our local veterans in Gulf Shores, members of Post 44 will hold a special observance at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Afterwards they will serve lunches from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The lunch includes fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and cole slaw.

Meals for veterans are free. Others are asked to donate $6 for their lunch. There are a limited number of meals. We will serve until we run out. There will be Patriotic Music performed by Roger & Elaine Beasley throughout the event.

The funds raised for this event will go to "Operation Comfort Warrior," a national American Legion program to provide comfort items to our hospitalized men and women of the Armed Forces.

American Legion Post 44, located at 6781 Gulf Shores Parkway, is open to the public. It is a non smoking building.

The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ organization. Founded early in 1919, the delegates to the first National Convention in Minneapolis broke from business sessions to parade down a main street in a heavy snowstorm at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 to mark the anniversary of the armistice.

The American Legion shows its support to veterans everyday through numerous programs such as the Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance, the National Emergency Fund, and Operation Comfort Warrior, just to name a few.