Every November 11th, our great nation honors the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America. It is a debt of gratitude we can never, ever repay. This "holiday" is a serious and solemn reminder of honoring those who defended freedom here at home and around the world.
From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, from the frozen fields of Korea (my uncle Frank "Boogie" was a Korean War veteran) to the deserts of Iraq, American service members have fought valiantly and bravely so that liberty could endure for our generation, and generations to come. They bravely faced danger and death not for fame or fortune, but for duty to our country, their families, and to one another.
We owe them more than words. The gratitude we express this week must be matched by our actions every day of the year.
My best friend Bobby Klinko's father honorably served in Vietnam. He's always say "every chance you get, thank a veteran for their service." He's right. We should do so not only on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.
That being said, we should do so much more and saying "thank you."
It means ensuring our veterans have access to world-class medical care and educational opportunities. It means hiring them and learning from their example of discipline and service before self.
To the veterans among us, the neighbors who display a flag in their yard, the grandfathers whose stories remind us of what courage looks like, the young men and women just returning home, thank you.
This Veterans Day, may every American take a moment to say two simple, powerful words that mean everything to those who have served: thank you.