Wednesday, Nov. 11, we observe Veterans Day, at one time also known as Armistice Day.

Go back 91 years. The armistice treaty, between the Allies and Germany, was signed in a railway carriage in Compiege Forest, France, on Nov. 11, 1918, marking the end of the First World War. "The War to End All Wars", as it was called then, took the lives of 9,721,737 combatants from both sides.

The total toll, including civilians, was 16,543,185.

The signing took place in the 11th month, on the 11th day and the 11th hour, hence it is sometimes referred as "the 11th of the 11th of the 11th." And, sadly, it did not end all wars.

Now, fast-forward to today. It's been said that when old men gather and exhaust the topics of weather (pleasant or brutal), crops (lean or bountiful) and aches and pains (always bad), the conversation inevitably turns to bygone years in the military.

The memories, defying reality, are always good ones.

I'm guilty with the rest of the grayheads and graybeards.

Marching 10 miles up Agony Hill or Misery Hill in Fort Knox, Ky., is now remembered as a mere walk around the block.

Sleeping in a pup tent at 18 degrees below zero in the boondocks of Fort Campbell along the Kentucky/Tennessee border, on a January night, no longer chills my bones.

Those who were in combat may or may not share their stories. Some talk freely, but others buried memories, along with emotions, long ago, unable to resurrect them.

There is a custom when military people gather. Glasses are raised, and a toast is made "to absent companions."

On Wednesday, traveling down memory lane, I also will raise my glass.

Ken Gaidziunas is a staff writer for the Van Alstyne Leader and the Anna-Melissa Tribune.