Today is one of the most important days in American history — and also for our great nation’s future.

November 11 may not get the recognition or hoopla that many other holidays do. And, in some ways, that may be fitting because the holiday reflects some of the same traits of selflessness and sacrifice as the men and women that it honors every year.

But Veterans Day should certainly be considered among the greatest holidays and celebrations our country recognizes. It is a vital foundation of our nation, a testament to the strength and perseverance needed to defend our freedoms and liberties.

Without our veterans all the things that we hold dear would be in jeopardy. Freedom would be nothing more than a word with no meaning and no real-world application.

Everyone talks about patriotism but it those serving in our armed services who live those words.

Whether serving during recognized wars, operations only recognized as conflicts or during peacetime, all of our veterans deserve respect and praise.

Our country was built on the fact that freedom and liberty are fundamental to our entire way of life.

It is our veterans who protect these, often by sacrificing their own lives.

To borrow from a popular slogan, “Talk is cheap. Freedom isn’t.” It has been paid for throughout history and still each and every day with the sacrifices of brave men and women.