On Wednesday, the country honors its veterans. We felt it important to recognize the men and women who have given so much in defense of the country. Here in the Deerfield Valley, so many have gone off and given “the full measure of their devotion,” as Abraham Lincoln described the ultimate sacrifice during the Civil War. From before the Revolution to World War II and the current conflicts in the Middle East, Vermont men and women have served on the front lines and in support roles. We should never forget their dedication, courage, and commitment and we should celebrate their accomplishments and support them not just on Wednesday, but whenever possible.

Clarence E. Hill, national commander of the American Legion, has written about the servicemen and servicewomen of this country:

“When then-Governor Ronald Reagan introduced returning POW John McCain at a speaking engagement in 1974, the future president asked, “Where do we find such men?” He was speaking of many veterans, when he answered, “We find them in our streets, in the office, the shops and the working places of our country and on the farms.”

In other words, Reagan was referring to ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things.

Fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the title “military veteran,” and what a list of accomplishments can those 10 percent claim. From defeating communism, fascism and imperialism, to keeping the peace during the Cold War and battling terrorism today, America owes a debt to her veterans that can never be fully repaid.

Historians have said that Dwight Eisenhower was prouder of being a soldier than he was of being the president. While relatively few veterans reach the rank of general, pride in one’s military service is a bond shared by nearly all who have served.

The pride is on display on every obituary page in the country, where military service – regardless of how many decades have passed and subsequent achievements reached – is mentioned with the death notice of nearly every deceased veteran.

Can any CEO or distinguished Ivy League graduate truly claim to have more responsibility than the 20-year-old squad leader walking a patrol in Afghanistan or Iraq? While the successful real estate mogul may have sold hundreds of homes and raised a wonderful family, what single accomplishment tops the decisive actions he took during the siege of Khe Sanh, which saved the lives of several of his fellow Marines?

We call on all Americans to thank veterans and let them know that their sacrifices are appreciated. Veterans Day is not about sales at the local retail mall. It’s about honoring our heroes.

While veterans are often ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things, it is often an extraordinary family that supports the ordinary veteran. And it is the veterans that have given us this extraordinary country.”

Every generation or two we as a country send men and women off to fight. Regardless of the conflict, or the feelings toward the conflict, we should not lose track of the average people who have stepped forward. Take a moment this Veterans Day to give thanks to a vet for his or her service and support to the groups trying to help veterans get on with their lives.