This Veterans Day, we honor every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform and bravely defended our nation while protecting its people from the evils of this world. Every American, no matter where they live or what they do, reaps the benefits of their service.

Friday, November 11th is a special day. It is, in fact, a remarkable day. As veterans of foreign wars and as members of an organization whose primary mission is to serve those who have served, we understand that Veterans Day is a day of deep significance of opportunity. It is a day to recognize and honor the millions of men and women who answered without hesitation when their country called, and to the countless families of our military members who stayed at home waiting for their loved one’s return.

It should also be a day of reflection, a day when every American takes time to consider the legacy of freedom and liberty that has been passed to us. It is a day to think about the awesome responsibility that is ours, and what it takes to maintain this land of the free, this home of the brave.

Across the nation, patriotic Americans will gather at events to remember the countless sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. Our veterans cherish the values and virtues upon which our nation was founded and have bravely preserved them at all costs. So it is our responsibility to reflect on the many costs attached to our victories over tyranny, and the many liberties we enjoy today because of their selflessness and sacrifices.

Veterans Day is a day for every American, every citizen – no matter what race, religion or political affiliation they might have – to contemplate the price of our liberty.

As we honor the veterans of our nation, we must also acknowledge and give thought to those who are currently serving. Those who wear the uniform of today’s military services face a world that is filled with change and challenge.

Thousands of our service members who have been thrust into the boiling cauldron of war, they too, are veterans of foreign wars. And as they serve to protect all of us, we have an equal responsibility to care for them and their families, it is our obligation to do so. To do anything less would diminish and cheapen the service and sacrifice of millions of patriots who have selflessly served this country.

We owe so much to today’s generation of great patriots, and all who’ve come before them. And while we can never repay the debt owed to them, we can show our appreciation through actions to ensure they receive proper and adequate medical care for both their visible and invisible wounds, that they have every opportunity to pursue the American dream they sacrificed for.

As a grateful people, we must continue to do all we can to ensure our veterans get the benefits and recognition they have earned and deserve. Let us resolve right now, to do these things with a renewed sense of purpose. Gratitude.

It is a day to celebrate the courage, the deeds, the sacrifice, dedication and commitment of all veterans who have served this great nation – and what is in fact the greatest nation on earth, thanks to their efforts.

Happy Veterans Day to all of America’s veterans, and a sincere and heartfelt, THANK YOU.