A week ago, Americans voted for change, and change never comes without some apprehension. Reassuringly, some things never change -- and this morning the proof will be on parade in the streets of Pittsburgh.

It is Veterans Day 2008. The old soldiers, sailors and airmen will start marching at 10:30 a.m. from Centre Avenue and Washington Place in the Hill District down to the Hilton Hotel. They will march as they always have and always will, generation unto generation, until the swords are beaten into plowshares.

In honoring all who have served to defend these United States, the marchers are also marking an unforgettable time and date in history: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It was the moment when the guns fell silent in World War I.

That terrible conflict naively was called the "War to End All Wars," but wars are not easily wished away. In 1954, with memories of another world war still fresh, Armistice Day became Veterans Day to broaden the commemoration to all who had fought to preserve the nation's heritage of freedom.

Still, the history of this day, with its origins in World War I, is worth remembering when history is again pivoting.

Just as war itself was not ended on that distant day in November, nor will the national security challenges facing the United States cease when this country disengages from Iraq. The greater war on terror cannot be ignored. Even while calling for redeployment from Iraq, President-elect Barack Obama has consistently said that Afghanistan needs more attention.

While Americans have just concluded a great national argument over a variety of issues, including how to bolster national security, make no mistake: There was never a serious argument about the debt owed to those Americans who have served their country with courage and self-sacrifice.

Today we honor them. When it comes to patriotic service that sustains America, united we stand.