Thank you, veterans

This week we pause as a nation to express our heartfelt gratitude to our veterans. It never quite feels like enough, however, compared to all these men and women have sacrificed in service to our country.

They leave their homes and families for months and years at a time, put themselves in harm’s way and often suffer serious wounds and loss in battle — all to keep us safe here on the home front.

Nearly a quarter of veterans return home to rural America, with many of them coming back to the family farm or beginning a new chapter as first-generation farmers.

Did you know that one in every six farms has a producer who is currently serving or who has served in the military?

I hope you’ll join AgriNews this week — and all year long — in giving thanks for our veterans and in thanking them personally.

Their sacrifices make it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have in our country, and they should all know how much we value and appreciate them.

To our veterans, thank you for your service.