SANDPOINT — Area residents paused for a few moments Wednesday to thank veterans for their service.

In a day that included a tribute breakfast to ceremonies at local schools and War Memorial Field, veterans were hailed for their service.

“We need to support them now and in the future,” said William “Bill” Stevens Sr., commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2453 in Sandpoint. “They deserve our thoughts today and our prayers and our thanks for their service.”

Veterans Day has its roots in World War I, the original “war to end all wars,” said Stevens. In recognition of the end of World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Armistice Day was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 to honor those who fought in the war. The celebration was expanded to iclude all veterans in 1953 and, in 1954, the name was officially changed to Veterans Day.

Noting the cool weather and cloudy skies, Stevens drew comparisons to the long-ago days following the war and the creation of what was then called Armistice Day.

“It’s pretty chilly but it was probably a little cold back then in France, too,” said Stevens.

“We need to remember our soldiers who serve.”

From the soldiers who served in country’s early days to those serving today, Americans owe them thanks for all they have done and are doing, he said.

Growing up, Stevens said he never realized what veterans were. It wasn’t until he entered the military and served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam that he understood that he, too, would be a veteran.

“Veterans come in all sorts and shapes,” Stevens told the 50 or so people — including several dozen from the Sandpoint Junior Academy — at the Wednesday morning tribute at War Memorial Field. “It may be your father, mother, brother or sister or the person next door.”