This Veterans Day marks 100 years since the entry of the United States into World War I, and the massive conscription of the two million young Americans who sailed to France to make the world “safe for democracy.”

As we salute the service of our World War II, Korean and Vietnam Era servicemen and women, and those who’ve worn the uniform in subsequent years, it’s worth reflecting on the changing nature of the American military. In the absence of the draft, we now count on a select group of highly motivated young men and women who volunteer for the rigors of military service to defend our country. The number of active duty military (1.3 million) and reservists (800,000) totals 2.1 million in a country that has three times the population we did a century ago, representing just one percent of the American workforce. That’s a relatively small number to depend upon to keep our homeland safe and to defend our national interests and allies abroad. As such, it’s no wonder many Americans don’t come in frequent contact with a current member of the military and get the opportunity to offer sincere thanks for their service.