Standing together in gratitude: Remembering the service and sacrifice that protects us every day

Every year, Veterans Day seems to be here and gone before I know it. Shame on me. With several family members serving or having served in various branches of our nation’s armed forces, the significance of this day should be ingrained in my heart and mind — not just on Nov. 11, but every day of the year.

This is a day set aside to recognize the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces.

It is a day to say thank you to those who served, whether they spent a few years in uniform or made a career of protecting the freedoms we too often take for granted.

Some of them came home and picked up right where they left off. Others came home carrying experiences and memories that are difficult to put into words. Some never made it home.

I think about the sacrifices made by military families, too. The spouses who held everything together at home, the parents who waited for a phone call and the children who learned far too young what it meant to have a loved one serving halfway around the world.

We often talk about freedom in big terms: the Constitution, the flag, the rights we hold dear. But sometimes freedom looks a little more ordinary.

It looks like a farmer driving a tractor across a field, a family gathering around a Thanksgiving table, a small-town parade or a community coming together to help a neighbor.

Those everyday moments are possible because generations of Americans have been willing to serve.

As we come in hot off the midterm elections, it’s important to remember that Veterans Day isn’t about your political views. It isn’t about whether you agree with the decisions made in Washington or support every military action our country has taken.

It’s about recognizing the men and women who raised their right hand, took an oath and agreed to serve something bigger than themselves.

We can disagree on politics and still stand together in gratitude for those who have worn the uniform. Their service deserves our respect, regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum.

Veterans Day reminds us that gratitude shouldn’t be reserved for one day on the calendar. We can show our appreciation by supporting veterans in our communities, checking on those who may be struggling and making sure the next generation understands the meaning of service and sacrifice.

I have spent much of my life telling stories about agriculture and rural America. One thing I’ve learned is that the strongest communities are built on people who are willing to put something bigger than themselves first; our veterans understand that better than most.

Take a look around your community and you will see men and women who have served and those who serve still. Remember those who gave their lives and those who carry the weight of their service.

To every veteran, from the farm to the front lines and everywhere in between, thank you. Your service matters. Your sacrifice matters. And you will never be forgotten.

May God bless America!