Veterans Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. Many serve (or served) during both declared and undeclared times of war. Many came home, but many as different people than the ones who had bid goodbye to their families when they entered military service. Many never returned. Beaverton’s World War I monument was dedicated in 1925 to honor all of them. The artist who created the monument called it “The Survivor” and it prominently depicts the survivor standing guard over his injured and his fallen comrades. It was earnestly believed at the time that “the Great War” had been so horrific, that it would be the war to end all wars. By 1925, the world had come to believe that we had resolved to come to terms with each other via a League of Nations that would negotiate permanent peace. Obviously, we had misjudged human nature, and the persuasive powers of those who would use war as a way to enhance their personal power. We now know that permanent peace may never come. We have learned that we will always need to call upon those who are willing to accept the challenge of maintaining a military with enough strength to stand up against those who would subjugate others in order to maintain power and the illusion of prosperity. For all of those men and women, we are thankful. We are honorbound to remember that their service is a sacrifice, and to show our gratitude by supporting their efforts. We must also be willing, as a nation, to provide the concern and the resources to treat their wounds and provide for the care we owe them. We build monuments such as this one so we can teach another generation of the folly of war, and to remember and honor those who help to preserve our peace. It is fitting, then, that “The Survivor” is only a few feet away from a playground. It is also fitting that in a few weeks we will decorate the area for Christmas. Hopefully the children who play in the playground, and who are awed by the brilliant decorations, will also be given the opportunity to learn these important truths.