Care enough to say thank you

Some are in their 70s and 80s, stooped from years of work and life. Others are just a year or two out of high school, learning to walk all over again — struggling to recover from devastating injuries caused by a roadside bomb half the world away.

Yet, they have more in common than not.

They are all soldiers, veterans, with a deep love for their country and their fellow Americans. Willing to risk all for people they don't know, will never know.

They are Americans, imbued with a love for their country, a sense of pride and patriotism in the best sense of the words. Choosing to do what their country asks even though others would turn away before the question is asked.

They are our sons, daughters, fathers and mothers. Their roster stretches from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can hate war, hate what it does to those we love, but we owe these brave men and women our thanks, our gratitude and our prayers.

Today is Veterans Day. Started as Armistice Day in 1919 after World War I to celebrate peace was again at hand and to honor the soldiers who made it possible. It has since been extended to honor all who have served in the military.

We all know at least one or two veterans, probably more. Take a moment today to say, "thank you." No conditions, no qualifications, just "thank you."

It is the least we can do.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.