Since the Revolution, eight generations of America’s veterans have established an unbroken commitment to freedom.

This Veterans Day, we will honor more than 25 million living veterans and the memory of those who came before them. We remember each soldier, Marine, sailor, airman and Coastguardsman who has served our country by taking up arms when called by our nation in a time of need.

The U.S. military on Tuesday announced the deaths of five more soldiers, making 2007 the deadliest year for U.S. troops despite a recent downturn, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 852 American military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year _ the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures.

The sacrifices ordinary American men and women from communities large and small have been willing to make, often before they were past their teenage years, have secured our nation unprecedented freedoms and made us the world’s bulwark of liberty.

Veterans Day celebrates what began as Armistice Day, marking on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 the end of the bloody cataclysm known as World War I, the "war to end all wars."

The young men and women now returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan and other deployments worldwide are joining the ranks of veterans to whom America owes an immense debt of gratitude.

For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we are grateful that such men and women were among us. For those who continue to serve, we honor their commitment. For those who return to civilian life, we honor their service.

Veteran’s Day will be celebrated this year on Sunday, Nov. 11. A parade will begin at 10:45 a.m. in front of the Vet’s Club; proceed down Main Street to Pine Blvd. and on to the memorial near the intersection with Lake Street where there will be a short service.