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With more than 23 million surviving military vets, overlooking Veterans Day would seem like a stretch.

But as World War II's warriors pass on and without a draft to fill the ranks, the military touches fewer Americans up close and personally.

There still are observances in big cities and hamlets across the nation, yet seldom on the scale of those following the last century's world wars.

Only older generations can recall commerce coming to a screeching halt on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" for one minute to honor U.S. soldiers, sailors and Marines who perished in the "war to end all wars."

Once known as Armistice Day to observe the end of World War I, the observance was expanded in 1954 to "remember the sacrifices of those who served in all of the nation's wars."

And as thousands of Americans fight in the Middle East then return home -- often to uncertain futures -- more attention is being focused, as it should be, on repaying them for their patriotism and unswerving commitment to a sometimes unpopular cause.

Finally, inefficiencies in a Veterans Administration bogged down in red tape are being addressed. Several years ago, deplorable conditions awaiting Iraq War wounded at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington grabbed the nation's attention. For once, accountability replaced business-as-usual fumbling and repairs quickly were made.

To its credit, the Obama administration is moving ahead with corrective measures, but much remains to be done. Too often, aging or sick veterans die before a monolithic system frees the financial and medical help they desperately need and deserve.

As before, troops coming back home in 2009 must cope with adjusting to civilian life, as did their comrades who fought in Europe, the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam.

To that end, the president today announced a veterans employment initiative designed "to make the American Dream" more accessible for veterans and their families.

Federal agencies will be asked to train veterans for government work -- jobs that may use their military skills. The effort should be seen as more than repayment for serving one's country; the economy benefits as well.

In his Veterans Day proclamation, the president said, "American veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect. Caring for our veterans is more than a way of thanking them for their service. It is an obligation to our fellow citizens who have risked their lives to defend our freedom."

So, take the time today to thank a veteran -- young or old. Where would this nation be without their selfless service?