This coming Wednesday, we honor America’s strongest men and women who have dedicated their lives to the protection of our great nation. As a member of this honored group of patriots myself—as was my father before me—it gives me great pleasure to gratefully remember all of the former service members across the country, not just on Nov. 11, but every day.

I urge you, too, to give thanks to those bravest of the brave this coming Veterans Day by recognizing the selfless contributions they have made to keep America prosperous, safe, and free. Veterans have affected each and every one of our lives by placing themselves in the line of duty and placing their country’s needs above their own. I hope we can all show a veteran what their experiences, sacrifices, and triumphs truly mean to us. Take the time Wednesday to shake a hand, give a hug, or donate to services that aid former servicemen and women such as the USO, The American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, or your local VFW.

Our veterans are shining examples of what makes the United States the greatest country in the world. Countless American soldiers, sailors, engineers, doctors, etc. have traveled the world to aid the less fortunate, and we at home need to help and remember them for their service whenever and wherever possible.