It’s not often that I find college commencement speeches inspiring. They are too often predictable and lifeless. But a few remarks Marine Gen. Peter Pace made this past May to The Citadel’s graduating class remain with me.  

At the end of his speech, Pace, the U.S. military’s top general, spoke directly to those in the class accepting military commissions. “Thank you,” he said. “Your country needs you. We are at war.”

Perhaps it was the way Pace spoke — direct, with a sense of urgency and from the heart — that moved me. Perhaps it was the audience he addressed. We turn to our nation’s youth to fight our battles.

With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a worldwide fight against terrorism, I find myself falling back on the general’s words time and time again. Your country needs you.

I, like my fellow military family members — the parents, spouses, siblings and children of service members — have a personal stake in what happens in Iraq and Afghanistan. To us, our family and friends are the face of war.

When I feel forlorn or vulnerable, the general’s thanks this spring to Citadel cadets is a reminder to me why my husband and sister continue to serve our nation in dismal times. It reminds me why my father and father-in-law volunteered for service in Vietnam and why so many Americans willingly served in Korea and World War II.

Regardless of one’s political views or a war’s popularity (or lack of), there is something to be said for this national treasure: the men and women who stand up and want to be counted when their country calls.

This Veterans Day, I join many other Americans who honor the service, sacrifice and commitment of our veterans. Thank you for answering your country’s call.