On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our

"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." These words, spoken by Dan Lipinski, carry with them the weight of history and the solemn responsibility that we, as a people, bear towards those who have sacrificed their blood, their time, and their very lives for the freedoms we now hold dear. Veterans are not mere figures of the past, nor are they symbols of forgotten wars. They are the living testament to the cost of liberty, and they stand as a reminder that freedom is not free.

On this Veterans Day, we are called to pause and reflect—not just on the sacrifices made, but on the promises made in return. For it is not enough to simply remember those who have served in the wars that shaped our nations. We must also remember that our sacred obligations to these warriors do not end with a day of commemoration. Their sacrifice calls us to something greater, a duty that reaches beyond gratitude and into the very fabric of how we treat them in the days that follow.

In the ancient days, when warriors returned from battle, their families and communities would welcome them not just with feasts and songs, but with promises—promises of care, respect, and honor. These promises were not mere words spoken on a day of festivity, but pledges that bound the community to its heroes. The same obligation we carry today is no different. Just as the warrior of old was not forgotten when the war was over, neither should we forget those who have served us. To neglect our veterans is to dishonor the very essence of what they fought for. They gave their all so that we could live free, and we must ensure that their freedom, their security, and their dignity are not forgotten in turn.

Consider the story of Sergeant York, a humble man from the hills of Tennessee who became one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I. His actions on the battlefield were nothing short of legendary, earning him the Medal of Honor and the eternal gratitude of a nation. Yet, upon his return, Sergeant York did not seek glory, nor did he revel in the fame his service had earned him. Instead, he sought only to ensure that the families of his fallen comrades would be cared for, that their sacrifices would not be lost in time. Sergeant York's life after war, much like that of all veterans, was not a tale of personal gain, but a tale of service continued—service not to the nation that honored him, but to the men who had fallen by his side.

What, then, does Dan Lipinski's quote call upon us to do? It is a call to renew our promise, not just to remember, but to act. To renew means to bring something once forgotten back into the light, to fulfill an obligation that has perhaps been left wanting. Our veterans, and their families, have borne the weight of battle, and they have done so with unwavering courage. It is now our turn to bear the weight of the promise we made—to care for them not just with words, but with deeds. Veterans have given us freedom, and it is our sacred responsibility to ensure that freedom does not fade into neglect or forgetfulness. We must strive to ensure they are cared for, that their needs are met, and that their sacrifices are not in vain.

The lesson to be learned is clear and powerful: we are the stewards of the legacy left to us by those who have fought and bled for our freedoms. On this Veterans Day, let us not just bow our heads in solemn remembrance, but rise in action. Let us serve those who have served us, whether it is through supporting legislation that provides for their care, or simply by reaching out with a hand of friendship and gratitude. These acts, though small, build a mighty foundation of honor and respect for the sacrifices they have made.

To live freely is a privilege, but with that privilege comes responsibility. As you go forward, remember that the heroes of our past—the veterans of every war—are not just history’s relics. They are living examples of sacrifice and service, and their legacy lives on in us. To honor them is not just to celebrate their past, but to ensure that their future is one of dignity, respect, and fulfillment. Therefore, on this day, and on every day that follows, let us fulfill the promises we made, and let our actions speak louder than our words. The duty is ours, and the honor is theirs.