It is once again the 11th day of the 11th month and time to celebrate Veterans Day. This Veterans Day finds the men and women of our armed services in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan and stationed elsewhere around the world.

For many in our country, this holiday will go virtually unnoticed. For some, it will be a minor irritant with the closing of some government offices. But for others, it will be a solemn occasion to recognize and remember the sacrifices that they or their loved ones have made in support of our great country.

I had occasion to contemplate the meaning and purpose of Veterans Day less than two weeks ago while I was in the homestretch of my campaign for state representative (which was ultimately unsuccessful, I should add). It was the Saturday before Election Day, and I was door-knocking. In the fading evening light, I approached two men who were talking outside their townhouses.

Running for office is often a combination of the comical and sublime, and this was such a moment. As I approached the men, I could see that one of them was dressed in what at first appeared to be a skirt, but, as I neared, could see was the outfit of an ancient warrior. In one hand, he carried a sword that had been cut out of cardboard. I got it — he was going to a Halloween party. The three of us laughed about the outfit. The Halloween warrior soon went inside.

I spoke with the other man for another minute, then asked him if there were any other issues on his mind. He hesitated, then explained that he was a veteran who had done two tours in Afghanistan and was probably going back for a third. He works for Ramsey County in a lower-level position and does not receive Veterans Day as a holiday. He said that last Veterans Day, only one person had bothered to thank him for his service. He suggested that all public employees receive Veterans Day as a paid holiday, irrespective of the level of their position.

As I continued my door-knocking, my thoughts drifted back to the veteran whose service to our country goes virtually unnoticed. Why not follow his suggestion and have all veterans working as public employees receive Veterans Day as a paid holiday? It would create some inconvenience and rearranging of schedules, but that would certainly be less of a sacrifice than what the veterans had made. Private employers could also adopt this as a policy (we don't need a law for everything). Again, it would serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that veterans have made.

On this Veterans Day, it is important to remember that we have modern-day warriors who are dressed not in Halloween costumes, but in uniforms in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world. We must not forget their service once they return home. Let's provide them with this one day off from work as a simple gesture that recognizes and thanks them for their service.

Chris Knopf, North Oaks