Cong. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) joined local residents, schoolchildren, officials and veterans' organizations in honoring America's veterans at the Oak Lawn Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11.

"Today, we give thanks to each and every one of the millions of men and women who have risked life and limb to defend our great nation," Lipinski said. "Too often, we take for granted the freedom in which we live.

"But freedom isn't free, and we can never forget that it is America's veterans who have paid the price for our liberty."

Lipinski added that these soldiers willingly went to defend their country.

Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. More than 116,000 American soldiers lost their lives in that war, Lipinski said.

"Say a prayer for the 2.6 million men and women in uniform who are currently serving our country, whether they are in Iraq, Afghanistan, elsewhere overseas, or right here at home," said Lipinski. "Finally, it is important that we recognize the extraordinary sacrifices of the families of America's veterans, who live with a terrible uncertainty each day that their loved one is in harm's way.

"While we have set aside Nov. 11 to honor our veterans, our obligation to them is ongoing.

"We must see to it that they are treated every day with the respect, gratitude and compassion they have earned and deserve."