On Veterans Day 2009, America's fighting forces have a new commander in the White House. But in some ways little has changed.

U.S. troops are still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, although the former conflict is winding down as the latter is heating up. Servicemen and women are on duty on the ground, in the air and on the sea in far-flung parts of the globe and even on bases at home where, as the Fort Hood tragedy proves, they still are at risk of danger.

Something else has not changed -- the respect and honor held by the American people for those who serve in their name. Despite differences of opinion on the wisdom of fighting this war or that, the national consensus remains untouched by politics and supportive of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.

It was not always so. Four decades ago, an unpopular war led some Americans to greet returning veterans with scorn. With very few exceptions, all that is past. In its reclaimed wisdom, the nation has restored veterans to a high place of regard, and on this day of all days.

Today marks the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which in 1918 saw the end of hostilities of what was naively believed to be the War to End All Wars.

With memories of the Second World War still painful, Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954. Then as now, it was clear that freedom still needed its protectors and their service and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Say a prayer for them, give them a cheer, spare them at least a grateful thought. In Pittsburgh, they march Downtown at 10:30 a.m. after some will have attended the annual breakfast sponsored by Friends of Danang, a local group of Vietnam vets who now bind up the wounds of the country where their war was waged. Bless them all.

Cartoonist Rob Rogers does "Rob's Rough," an early look at his work and his creative process, exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.