On Veterans Day we honor the men and women who have served us in times of peace and war; people who defend America's way of life and freedoms when called upon and who go on to build a stronger nation as civilians.  Every day we see them among us – in the news, at airports and in our local communities.  They proudly wear their uniforms and we are reminded of the long line of heroes who continue to step forward each generation.

But, they are more than Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.  They are volunteers.  They are fellow citizens who deter aggression through their preparedness and, when deterrence fails, they answer our country's call.  They are our greatest ambassadors – living, breathing examples of everything that is great about our country.  I have met many of them in Afghanistan and Iraq, in Europe and in Asia, as well as here in the states.  They tell me with great pride about helping to rebuild the essential infrastructure in Ramadi, Iraq, and about building schools in Khost, Afghanistan.  They deliver essential medical care to impoverished communities along the coast of Latin America and provide humanitarian aid to areas in the Far East devastated by natural disaster.

These ambassadors also are our neighbors, living among us, waiting for the call to service.  Today more than at any other time in our memory, that Army sergeant in her utility uniform might also be the person we buy paint from when her National Guard Unit has not been mobilized.  That Navy lieutenant commander might also be the high school football coach, taken away from his family and the day job he loves to serve the country he holds so dear.  And that Airman is the customer service voice on the phone when we've needed IT support.

They do more than walk among us. They repair our cars one day, and service heavy military equipment half way around the world a month later.  And they return home to be among us again, sometimes much changed, but never lacking in pride in themselves and the difference they have made serving our country.

It is critical that we nurture and care for our service men and women when they are on active duty and after they come home.  We must fall in behind them.  They willingly sacrificed for our benefit, now it's our turn to shoulder the load for them.
 
What can you do?  You can put a magnet or bumper sticker on your car, but the Soldier in Kandahar won't see that.  Remember, too, that his family might also be serving far from home at some remote base in the United States or overseas.  They need to know you care enough to do something.  It doesn't have to be anything grand.  There are dozens of organizations whose only purpose is to support military members and their families around the world.  Find one you like, and help them out.  The important thing is to act on your support, and make it mean something.

The cost of war is far more than the price of war.  Our obligation to those who defend us spans generations after they remove their uniforms for the last time.   They serve selflessly; giving so much and asking so little in return.  They deserve not only the satisfaction of an important job done well, but also the support of a grateful nation that helps them reintegrate into society.  We must bind their wounds, provide emotional and physical comfort and support, and help them through college or technical schools as they transition back into their communities. 

Veterans Day is more than a reflection on service and sacrifice.  This is a time for our nation to offer a sincere expression of thanks to these great ambassadors, and neighbors, who give so much, and ask so little in return.