Last week, we celebrated our right to have a say in our nation’s leadership by voting on Election Day. This weekend, we paid our respects to those who have fought to defend that right by honoring the men and women of the armed forces on Veterans Day.

The quote at the top of this page highlights the central concept behind Sunday’s holiday. This nation is only as strong as those who defend it, and we are forever grateful to the brave individuals who risk their lives to defend our way of life.

But if our nation is to remain strong, our bravery cannot stop at our veterans. As civilians, we must be brave too: brave enough to try to solve our problems through peaceful means and demand that we put our military personnel in danger only as a last resort. In the past, we may have sometimes been too quick to go to war. That is certainly no way to thank those who are willing to risk their lives for us.

We’re also obligated to take care of them when they return. When someone gives up such a large part of their lives to serve their country, they deserve to have access to health care and an education. That’s not an entitlement – that’s a sacred obligation.

Continue to support our veterans, both at home and abroad. We should show them that we appreciate their service not just on Veteran’s Day, but every day. They’ve earned it.

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