In researching this story on Veterans Day, I talked with and listened to a number of individuals about their service to this nation.

While interviewing this diverse group of individuals, I asked each one of them if they were a hero.

They all said no.  There was no hesitation in any of the answers.

"I am not a hero," Tacoma police officer Matt Watters said directly.

"What we do - as police officers or firefighters or any of the other people who give it their all in their work - is expected."

A former Ranger stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Watters lost part of his left leg in Iraq.

"I am not a hero," he repeated.  "It's what we do."

I heard this answer repeatedly from every veteran I talked to.

"My dad tells me that I am a hero," commented Army veteran Michelle Snypp, who served in Iraq, as she prepared to go to class at Pierce College.

"I am not a hero.  There are others - those who went out and served under fire - who are the heroes."

At the other end of the time continuum, Vietnam and Navy veteran Mike Batnick flatly denied that he is a hero and then went on to say, "I was doing my job."

After his ten-year stint in the Navy, Batnick - who serves as the commander of American Legion Post 138 - went on to work in the electronics industry.

"I felt called to continue to serve," he related.

His service contributed to the United States putting the first men on the moon.

"And no," repeated Batnick, "I am not a hero."

In talking with Steilacoom police officer Sgt. Will Nelson and Tacoma police officer Lt. Dan Still, another message began to appear.

While both men and Army veterans denied being heroes, both were just as quick to point to the sacrifices other veterans have made to provide Americans with the rights and privileges they enjoy.

"I serve as a police officer to serve a greater good," commented Still.

Nelson agreed.  "We do what needs to be done.  We're not here for the glory.  It feels good when we help others."

Both police officers emphasized they respect the sacrifices of those who have gone before them.

This message was not lost on Chey Lim, a refugee from Vietnam who served in the Navy.

"I am no hero, but those who do something that is not asked of them are heroes, and I think veterans are the heroes."

But the point is clear.  Respect for veterans and their actions is what Veterans Day is about.

The day is steeped in history.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an "Armistice Day" for November 12, 1919 - a year and a day after the end of World War I.

Not surprisingly, Congress got around to passing a parallel resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926.

In 1947, a World War II veteran by the name of Raymond Weeks organized a "Veterans Day" parade on November 11 in Birmingham, AL to honor all American veterans for their loyal service.

Shortly thereafter, Kansas Congressman Edward Rees introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served this country in all wars.

"The day is a chance to say a simple ‘thank you' to all those who have served," said Army veteran and DuPont firefighter Al Gasak.

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.  He also issued a presidential order directing the head of the Veterans Administration (now called the Department of Veterans Affairs) to organize a Veterans Day National Committee to organize the national observance of Veterans Day.

The idea of observing the service of all those who have served, are serving and will serve continues.

"There isn't one here at this table that does not respect the sacrifice and work of all those who have served," said 23 year Army veteran Andre Andrews, as he sat with fellow veterans Jason Reis, Derek Sherman, Josh Leblanc and Gabriel Orta.

"As each of us moves on with our lives and goes out to serve in society, we take with us the values the military has instilled," added Orta.

"I am not a hero; others are."

The irony is perfect.

Each veteran I spoke to denied being a hero, and yet each veteran I spoke to pointed to other veterans and civilians as heroes.

That kind of thinking captures the spirit of Veterans Day.