Today is Veterans Day. That makes today a special day for all Americans.

Today is special because every citizen has the opportunity to honor all those who have served and are serving the United States of America.

The extraordinary efforts, courage and personal sacrifices demonstrated by so many ordinary men and women down through the years deservedly earns them the patriotic distinction: American veteran! But, that was not always the case.

Here’s some background: Ninety years ago President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as “Armistice Day.”

Back then, Wilson’s myopic world view and political purpose was to commemorate the first year anniversary of the signing of the Modus Vivendi, or truce, which informally ended the fighting historians call World War I. Accordingly, hostilities were to temporarily cease at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”

For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars,” although the conflict would not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.

In 1938, Congress made the 11th of November a legal holiday; and, retaining Wilson’s “one-world” rhetoric, pronounced that it was “to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.”

But, peace requires peacemakers. That’s a unique concept, difficult for some people today to grasp, yet true nonetheless. Most Americans have always understood this. And, most still do.

That’s why, down through the years, so many Americans have voluntarily enlisted or willingly accepted the military draft as their personal duty.

Such individual acceptance of personal responsibility was demonstrated following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, which drew the United States into World War II, and again with U.S. involvement in the Korean War, and again with the Vietnam War.

During those conflicts, the Gulf War and following 9/11 with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, almost every one of America’s veterans has served our country and the cause of individual freedom, with distinction, on battlefields around the world.

Each of America’s veterans of every past and current conflict deserves our individual respect, appreciation, support and honor — today and every day. If you decide to honor our Veterans, and I pray you do, in a sense, you will be emulating Al King. Who is Al King?

Until 1953, Washington politicians perpetuated Woodrow Wilson’s focus on WWI. Then, along came Al King of Emporia, Kan.

King, a small business owner, had a more expansive vision than the narrow focus initiated by Woodrow Wilson. King believed that all veterans deserved to be recognized for their contributions and sacrifices while serving in the U.S. military.

He promoted the idea among friends and fellow business owners. It caught on.

Next, King enlisted the help of his then-U.S. Congressman Ed Rees. Rees helped draft and pass the bill formally expanding the day of honor to all veterans.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954. Six months later, on Nov. 8, 1954, Congress amended the bill replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans.”

It took the perspective and willingness of one American, Al King, to take action and make a difference. Since then, every American can officially recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by every one of America’s veterans.

Al King, the Father of Veterans Day, died on Dec. 19, 1960. President Eisenhower wrote King’s wife stating that her husband’s respect for America’s veterans “assured a place of honor” for him among all citizens. “Ike” got it right.

Beginning today, let’s emulate Al King every day. Seek out every American veteran who has served or is serving our country.

Thank them. Honor them. Appreciate them. Respect them. Most of all — pray for them.

God bless Al King and every American veteran!

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications, a professional member of the National Speakers Association and founder of Citizens For Change. He can be reached at Rich@Olivastro.NET or 877.RichSpeaks.