Remembering: It is not about a day off. It is about heroes.

It is a small sacrifice, really, to stand outside and to wave a flag as uniformed heroes walk by.

It does not compare to the fear that goes along with taking a beach or facing an insurgent's rifle.

It does not have the same emotional impact as saying goodbye to your family to head off to yet another deployment.

And it isn't even in the same league with dealing with the fact that a buddy is not going to make it back home.

On Veterans Day, too many people forget what it means -- and why it is so important that we never forget the reason for this national holiday.

There are millions of heroes who are serving, have served and who have given their lives in defense of this nation and in the battle for freedom and justice.

We should never forget their sacrifice and the service they provide.

We should have the same love of country that they have -- and honor the flag and our nation just as they do every day when they put on a uniform.

We should remember all this as we watch the parade go by and as we honor our county's fallen heroes at today's memorial dedication.

It is the least we can do ... to remember.

It is our way of saying thank you.

And it is our honor and our duty.

Published in Editorials on November 11, 2011 10:36 AM