Serve our veterans as they served us

Veterans Day is Nov. 11. On this day, we salute the service of all veterans, while we keep in our thoughts and prayers the fallen, the missing and those who right now are serving in our military.

But who are these veterans? They are your grocer, your banker, your plumber, your child's schoolteacher, your barber, insurance man and neighborhood restaurant owner.

They are the veterans that have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth. Every day, we should give thanks to live in a country where citizens from every generation willingly raise their hands to protect our country and our freedom. And, while not all veterans see war, all who served in the military have expressed a willingness to fight if called to.

Today and every day we need to address the needs of our veterans across the nation. And, we as a nation, must always remember our veterans, who are our living heroes. Those men and women whose lives were torn and their bodies damaged in defense of our freedom. Those who are in our veteran hospitals. Those veterans who have become homeless, with no place to sleep at night.

We as a nation must rise to the challenge here at home to "simply take care of our living heroes." We need to see our government provide the support to help our comrades in arms. It's about serving them as well as they've served - and continue to serve - our nation.

So if you know a veteran or when you see one of our gallant men and women in uniform, thank them for their service to our country for these are our veterans today, tomorrow and forever.

Mike Formento

Glen Ellyn