This Veterans Day marks the 99th anniversary of the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany, the effective end of the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918. However, the holiday, established by an act of congress in 1938, was not simply intended to memorialize the end of WWI, but as a day dedicated to world peace. Clearly, there is more work to do before we achieve such a lofty goal, but the participants of that war and every conflict since have clung to the dream of a war to end all wars.

In a time when nearly every aspect of American life seems to be prime tinder and every opinion a ready spark for debate, I hold both my hope and my breath that our community can unite behind a single, simple idea. This Veterans Day, just say, “thank you” to those men and women who served for us.

More than 750 islanders, nearly 10 percent of the adult population, have been in the armed services. The mixture might surprise you: 39 from World War II, 99 from the Korean War, 419 from the Vietnam Era and 142 from the Gulf War Era, according to U.S. Census results from the 2015 census. It is likely that many of them share your political views while others may not, but it is certain that none of them were asked for their political opinion during their tour or tours of duty. Some veterans in our community choose to share their experiences, identifying readily as a soldier, sailor, marine or airman while others choose to be private about their time in uniform. Many stood with pride in their service; many stood in the protest of war and some have done both, but not necessarily in the same order.

The term “service” is defined as the action of helping or doing work for someone, and we owe an expression of gratitude and respect to those who stepped into harm’s way. Set aside the debates and recognize the bravery and dedication displayed in the cities, oceans, deserts, jungles and forests around the world. Take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices: More than 100 of our 778 island veterans are living with a disability; the rate of unemployment for local veterans is more than five times higher than the non-veteran population, and more than 560 veterans are buried in our island cemetery.

I am proud to be counted among Vashon veterans, but even more so, I am thankful to have this opportunity to thank my fellow veterans for their service and their sacrifices, both those obvious and unseen. Please take a moment to thank the veterans in your homes, families and community. A little gratitude goes a long way — perhaps all the way to the lofty goal of world peace the WWI veterans wished for after waking from their nightmares from the “war to end all wars.”

Here on Vashon, Ace Hardware will post photos of local veterans on the store windows in recognition of Veterans Day. The Vashon Veterans Association, consisting of members of the American Legion, Post 159 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2826 welcomes all veterans. Group meetings are held at the Vashon Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays of each month. Service officers are available to provide assistance for those seeking help with veterans’ benefits. For more information, contact Doug Kieper at 206-795-3494

— Doug Kieper is an Army veteran of Desert Storm who served from 1988 to 1994 and runs Vashon Adventures with his wife, Erin.