Here we are on the precipice of another holiday season. After Halloween, we start thinking about the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays ahead. Everywhere we look, we are reminded to be thankful. Many people are thankful for their health, their jobs, their families, friends and all good things. Even Facebook starts brimming with people posting monthlong thankfulness updates. Of course, some folks don’t have all, or even some, of these elements in their lives, yet the season seems to bring out the best in most people through the spirit of giving, and of giving thanks.

Next Wednesday is Veterans Day, and if there is one thing I believe all Americans should be thankful for, it is the freedom we enjoy every day thanks to the sacrifices made by our men and women in the Armed Forces.

As the old saying goes, “freedom is not free”. The flag that flies over our nation has been protected and defended since our country’s origin by our Armed Forces. Many thousands of lives have been lost in the quest to retain these rights and freedoms for us.

I’d like to ask you to take a few moments to think about the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces, to protect the freedoms we enjoy. If you see a veteran, or a member of our military, take a few seconds to pause and thank them for their dedication and sacrifice. I think you’ll both walk away feeling good about it.

As always, I’m happy to hear questions and comments from constituents regarding this or other issues in the Missouri Legislature, and I can be reached by calling my Capitol office at 573-751-5713 or by e-mailing me at dan.brown@senate.mo.gov.