Our View: Take time to thank a vet on this Veterans Day

By Brennan Kohl

Over 22 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces from just before WWII up to present day. Without these brave men and women, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy so much. On Nov. 11 each year, we take a day to honor the citizens who stepped forward to protect this great nation with their lives. We need to not only remember their sacrifices but honor them.

It’s not only our freedoms, as Americans, that they have protected, but the millions upon millions of citizens of foreign countries where American blood has been sacrificed to prevent oppression. Whether it’s France in both world wars, Vietnamese in Vietnam or Iraqis who suffered under the rule of Saddam Hussein, service members have stepped up for these people to be able to live free and prosperous lives.

We owe them so much, but yet they ask for nothing. Winston Churchill said it best, “…so much owed by so many to so few.” Veterans lay down their lives for us, and ask for nothing in return. The one thing we can do is remember their sacrifices. So this Veterans Day, thank a veteran.