Our nation paused Monday to honor the millions of Americans who have served in our country’s armed forces.

The country celebrated with parades, special events and patriotic programs.

Most veterans appreciate the gestures of kindness on Veterans Day.

But we should all remember that the sacrifices veterans gave to our country should be appreciated 364 more days, as well.

Veterans served our country. For some, that service meant coming home scarred — physically or mentally — after experiencing combat.

For others, their service may not have been as traumatic, but by enlisting or — in the case of service members from the Vietnam War and back — being drafted, all of those who served stood the potential of being in harm’s way.

Perhaps the best way for the country to support our military is by equipping them with the very best our nation can provide while they’re serving.

Then, after their service ends, by supporting them fully.

Many in our nation simply take our military for granted. Military service is something someone else does. They’re sort of out-of-sight, out-of-mind.

We enjoy the freedoms they protect, but we don’t want to think about how those freedoms are protected. All of us would be wise to realize that without our nation’s military, the United States of America, as we know it, could crumble quickly.

With that fact firmly set in our collective psyche, perhaps we will all treat veterans like the rock stars they actually are.