Editorial: To all veterans, thank you

At this time of year, we hear a lot about veterans and what they have done for our country. It’s a message that should resonate all year.

Next week is Veterans Day, when Americans pause to honor those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. 

On Friday, schoolchildren and educators at Brandon Valley will perform tributes. Next week, government leaders such as Brandon Mayor Paul Lundberg will give speeches, local retailers will offer discounts, and U.S. flags will line Holly Boulevard, monuments, cemeteries and other avenues.

It is right for us to make these public displays of respect for our veterans. After the sacrifices they and their families have made on our behalf, it is the least we can do.

Veterans Day should always be observed with a sense of honor, of thanksgiving, of remembrance.

Always.

Especially as so many of our servicemen and women remain in dangerous situations abroad.

In remembering and appreciating the service, duties and sacrifices of men and women who have worn the uniform in the past, we remind our current troops at home and abroad that we do not take their valor for granted.

In honoring our past servicemen and women, we make a silent promise to today’s military personnel that their service to our nation will not be forgotten.

By honoring our past veterans, we remind our former military members that their sacrifices and courage have not been forgotten and are still well appreciated.

Ceremonies to commemorate Veterans Day should be attended to pay tribute to our veterans.

But we should also make the day an opportunity to thank every veteran or future veteran we encounter.

We should say thanks through a handshake or picking up the tab for a meal.

Or we can simply say, thank you.

To all of our veterans, thank you.