The recent election, a new majority party in Congress and the ongoing debate over Iraq — there's much to talk about in the world of politics.

But not today.

On this Veterans Day, it's important to remember that no matter which political party you claim, or how you feel about the war in Iraq, today is the day to remember, honor and pay respect to those who served and continue to serve in our military.

In Hawai'i, where there is a strong military presence, we are reminded every day of those who serve our nation. But there are other poignant reminders of our war veterans that can easily be forgotten.

In the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu rest 7,398 veterans and family members. These are men and women who fought in World War II, the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars and now Iraq. Today at 10 a.m. there will be a public ceremony held on the grounds to honor them and other veterans.

At the Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery in Kane'ohe, and at veterans cemeteries throughout the state, thousands of veterans are laid to rest, along with family members. At 1 p.m., a public ceremony will be held at the state cemetery in Kane'ohe.

And let's not forget those who continue to serve on our behalf, and the families they are separated from while they are overseas. There are an estimated 127,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and another 23,000 in Afghanistan. Each number represents a life, someone's son or daughter, husband or wife — someone worth remembering today, and every day.