The names of the battlefields America’s men and women have fought on have changed many times during the years, but we must always remember the sacrifices they have made in those faraway places.

That’s why every reader should take a moment on Tuesday, Veterans Day, to remember all who have served and all who continue to serve. It’s the least we can do to thank those who have for generations been willing to put their lives on hold to protect and defend our country.

They come from all walks of life and all races. They practice different faiths and are representative of all segments of our society, but they all share a common trait — they are willing to stand tall in defense of the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans, knowing that protecting those freedoms often comes at a great price.

Veterans have stood guard in all corners of the globe, and have battled oppression in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. They have defended democracy and the interests of the United States against those who would destroy our way of life. They have stood against enemies who have been clear, and, have been in the forefront in today’s war against terror.

They have served in different ways across the branches of our armed forces — the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, the Space Force and, in wartime, the Merchant Marine — and have always been willing to do their sworn duty. Some have served a short time, others have made military service their careers.

Residents of the Tri-State Area always have been willing to answer the call when their nation has asked.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the veteran population in Ohio as of 2022 was 602,318, 91.2 percent of whom were male. Wartime veterans in the state included 24,200 from the Korean Conflict, 218,700 from the Vietnam era and 260,000 from the Gulf War.

In Pennsylvania, that total was 638,436, 91.7 of whom were male. Wartime veterans included 33,500 from the Korean Conflict, 231,500 from the Vietnam era and 253,100 from the Gulf War.

West Virginia’s total was 110,911, 93.4 percent of whom were male. Wartime veterans included 4,600 from the Korean Conflict, 40,900 from the Vietnam era and 50,500 from the Gulf War.

The number of those who served in World War II — the men and women who made up the Greatest Generation — continues to dwindle. According to the National World War II Museum, as of September, only about 45,418 veterans of that war were still alive, and more than 130 of them die each day. Of that number, 1,618 World War II veterans in Ohio are still alive, while 2,642 in Pennsylvania are still alive and 134 in West Virginia are still alive.

That means sometime in the not-too-distant future, the last of those who fought in that war will be gone.

And, while today is set aside to recognize all veterans, we ask that you pause for a moment to honor their brothers and sisters in arms, those fellow servicemen and women who are now at rest forever.

It remains our duty as citizens of the United States to recognize those who have served and continue to support those who are now serving. Take a moment to think about them, to thank them, to shake the hand of a veteran and let him or her know that we are grateful for all that they have done to preserve our freedoms.