As each year passes to the next, I find it more and more difficult to bring a new and refreshing veterans story to the readers of the paper. It seems like an easy task to tell everyone about November 11th, and what it means to have served our country. But the task is difficult. The day marked as Veterans Day is as I have lamented before, a chance for all Americans to recognize the many men and women who at one point in their lives donned a uniform of the United States Military. They served in one of the five and now six branches of the armed forces. They may have been in combat or simply sacrificing several years of their lives to guard the freedoms that all Americans and those under our protection enjoy. The one thing that is shared by all these brave people is they came home to their civilian life.

Although each of these men and women survived the time they gave, and they now fulfill new roles in our communities such as policemen, firefighters, snowplow operators, storekeepers, or possibly from the many other walks of life, they all fit under a single umbrella; They realize that they will never be an ordinary citizen again. They have been skilled in the art of war whether they shouldered a rifle in defense or not. The common saying is the veteran signed a contract to defend their country with every means necessary to possibly include giving their life. Many of the veterans carry the scars of that burden both physically and mentally. I am sure some regret the choice they made in wearing the green, but I believe most are honored to have volunteered. It’s said that less than 3 percent of our nation’s citizens choose to enlist in the armed forces. A stark realization that defines them as different from most of our population. It also places them in a unique class of citizenship. One that acknowledges bravery and courage, to face the enemies of our nation if needed. We are called veterans because of that difference. We are disciplined and seem to ignore the most trivial things even though we know about them. Many of us would quickly jump to our country’s defense again without a second thought. Many of us believe that our oath of enlistment was never designed to expire. Each of us, while waiting for that call, has also taken the responsibility to teach our future generations of what we have witnessed, and what we have learned.

Many of us band together in associations such as the AMVETS, the VFW, or the largest and oldest organization the American Legion. We have created vows to assist our fellow veterans, to safeguard our homeland and support our men and women in uniform today. We have promised to educate our youth and fellow citizens on the greatness of America, and the principles that keep us free. We make it known that the flag of our country serves as our bond and is a trust towards humanity around the globe. It is cherished and revered by almost everyone encompassed by it.

When you meet a veteran on this 11th day of November, or any other day, see them now in a different light. One that is brighter than you thought the day before. They are not lonely, disgruntled complainers, waiting for free handouts. They are warriors who were promised many things yet to come to fruition, still they have endured. Show them the respect they have earned by seeing that they gave their blood or sweat for your personal freedom. Do more than just thank them for their service, mean it truly with heartfelt acknowledgement that they are a hero for having given of themselves for you.

This is what it means to know Veterans Day.

Kirk L. Miller is commander of the Chautauqua County American Legion and the 8th District Department of New York.