St. Helena Star - Thanking our nation's heroes

On Veterans Day, let’s start by saying thank you, because that’s what Veterans Day is about. Thank you to our communities for the support you provide for those who have bravely served. Thank you to the families of our veterans. Anyone who has ever served or had a loved one in the armed forces knows that military service is a family commitment. And most importantly, thank you to our veterans. Cities and towns across America are pausing and giving their greatest appreciation for your service.

The truth is that every day should be Veterans Day. Not a moment should go by where we’re not giving thanks for the sacrifices our veterans and their loved ones have made on our behalf.

They didn’t make those sacrifices with any expectation of praise or admiration. The brave Americans who risked their lives to defend our country and uphold our values did so selflessly.

They did it out of duty, out of fidelity to our freedoms, out of love for county, and out of loyalty to those they served beside and citizens they never met.

So, let’s make sure we honor our veterans first by saying, "Thank you." And as important – through action – by making sure our veterans and their families get the benefits they earned.

No one who has fought for our nation in uniform should have to fight for a paycheck, proper health care, or a roof over their head when they take the uniform off.

We must make sure our veterans have opportunities – the opportunity to get a quality education, the opportunity to get a job that pays well, and the opportunity for a dignified retirement.

And we must strengthen health care services for all our veterans – from the disabled to those suffering from PTS, depression and traumatic brain injuries.

I won’t stop working until this happens. And that’s in part because I am a veteran.

So, on Veterans Day, let’s not just say thank you – let’s show our thanks by making sure our veterans and their families get what they’ve earned.

And let us honor their sacrifice by praying for peace – for the day when war is not a reality, but a far-distant memory. As John F. Kennedy said, ‘Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind.’

To all of our veterans and their families – thank you for your service, for your sacrifice, and for coming home and continuing your commitment to building a great country. Now, let us make sure we, as a grateful country, never forget to honor our commitment to you.