Recognize sacrifices

Veterans Day is sacred to me because it’s the one day every year that we set aside to recognize the sacrifices of all who have served in our armed forces and to let them know we care.

Protecting freedom is no easy task. It can be gritty, hard work that takes physical tolls on one’s body and mind. Most sign up when they are young and offer some of the best years of their lives to protect their country. Whether they have deployed to foreign lands and met the enemy face to face or served here at home on state active duty, helping their fellow Arkansans through floods, ice storms, or a pandemic, they have sacrificed to make our world a better place. And their families share in those sacrifices.

Veterans develop a special bond with each other over time. That bond runs deep. It’s a bond of service before self, dedication, loyalty, honor, integrity, courage and commitment. It’s a bond that never fades over time, and that makes it special. It’s those bonds and a strong commitment to service that are very rewarding for a veteran.

Taking time to recognize their sacrifice is something every American should do. Our veterans have overwhelmingly served their country with honor and distinction, and many continue to serve in other capacities beyond their years in uniform.

I encourage you to take time every Veterans Day to not only thank a veteran for their service, but to take time to learn more about that service and what it entailed. Whether they open up or not, let them know their service mattered and still matters to you and that you care.

Happy Veterans Day. KENDALL W. PENN

North Little Rock Maj. Gen. Kendall W. Penn is Arkansas Adjutant General.