As we celebrated Veteran’s Day Tuesday, we made an effort to give thanks and recognition to the Veterans who have served in all branches of our military. While the day and all it stands for reminds us to remember the sacrifices of those who have given their time, energy and sometimes their lives on our behalf, we must remember to be grateful for these individuals the other 364 days a year as well.

Kudos to all of the groups and organizations who honored our Veterans. The Shepherdstown Rotary’s speaker gave an education on the aeromedical service of the military, something I’m sure not too many of us have thought of. What a sacrificing group of individuals who put their lives on the line to save the lives of wounded soldiers around the globe. If you don’t know anything about them, I suggest you Google and learn.

The parades and ceremonies honoring our local Veterans were also a pleasure to attend. I do wish that more individuals would come out and hear the words of these men and women who have served. We need to bridge the generational gap so that our children know the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.

The sacrifices come not only at a time of war, but all year. These individuals travel from their homes for training, school, duty stations around the world. They miss holidays and milestones with their families, all on our behalf. While the modern technology of today sometimes allows things like Facetime, etc., it just isn’t the same as being in the room when you celebrate the birth of a child or lose a loved one without being able to say a farewell.

For all our Veterans and Servicemembers have done and continue to do on a daily basis, we are eternally grateful, not just on Nov. 11 but all year!