In an address delivered May 30, 1884, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. honored those who have served our country through military endeavors by stating, “To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might. So must you do to carry anything else to an end worth reaching. More than that, you must be willing to commit yourself to a course, perhaps a long and hard one, without being able to foresee exactly where you will come out. All that is required of you is that you should go some whither as hard as ever you can.”

Since the beginning of this great nation of ours, more than 40 million citizens have served us through our military. More than 19 million veterans are still among us today working in many different endeavors in our society while more than 1 million have given the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Since Sept. 11, 2001, 4,000 men and women have died defending our country, and more than 10,000 have been wounded in protecting us. Regardless of our political views or agendas, we honor them all for their service.

My grandfather served in the Army in World War I; my father served in the Army Air Corps during World War II; I served in the Army during the Vietnam War; and my eldest son has served in the Army in recent times. Coming from a long line of military veterans, I stand with you in honoring those who have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy.

When I see films of returning veterans of World War II being greeted by bands, confetti and loved ones, I quickly think about Vietnam veterans who were often spat on and cursed when they returned to their homeland. Having served on a military burial detail during that era, I still get chills when I hear “Taps” being played, because I see the family members at the grave sites and know the personal loss is final in earthly terms.

Veterans of today’s struggles in the Middle East are, for the most part, treated with the honor and respect they rightfully deserve. The common thread, though, that unites all veterans of all eras is the love they have for their country and the desire to fight for the freedoms they deem worthy of protection.

From the days of the Minuteman Militia to the well-equipped soldier of today, our nation maintains its status as the guardian of freedom because of the sacrificial service of these brave men and women.

Take the time to thank a veteran for his or her service. If you know of a family that has a loved one serving in another part of our world, call them or write them a note to express your appreciation for their sacrifice and assure them of your prayers. During the holiday season, invite a soldier or a soldier’s family to join your family for worship, Bible studies, meals and family activities. Visit a veterans’ hospital and spend time with the patients there. Write a soldier or send them a “care package,” but above all, let them know that you care and are lifting them up to the Father in prayer.

At an address delivered November 19, 1863, in Gettysburg, Penn., President Abraham Lincoln said, “The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”

It is right that we do not forget, either. Thank you, veterans, for a job well done.

Tom Townsend is marketing and business manager for the Western Recorder