In a word, what is a veteran?

• Selfless – A soldier sacrifices his individuality to become one of the troops. He wears the uniform. He follows commands. He embraces the mission. A war is only won when the soldier values the cause and his comrades more than himself.
• Courageous – To join the troop is to step into courage. The risk is high. The mission is daunting. The soldier’s life, as well as all colleagues, may be required of them. All for the cause of freedom. Yet they step into the fray when called.
• Heroic – Much of our prosperity and opportunity in the United States is an outcome of our military heroism. Our ability to vote and to protest. Our ability to speak up and to worship. Our privilege to work and earn a living has been preserved by selfless, courageous heroes for centuries.

Whatever concerns consume us in the present, we shouldn’t dismiss the high privilege of being an American. And that privilege is significant because of our veterans.

They deserve our honor and gratitude. What might we be without them?