If you love America, you need to thank two groups of people — our nation’s Founding Fathers and our country’s veterans.

The Founding Fathers had the courage nearly 250 years ago to stand up for individual rights and an idealistic society they envisioned.

Without their courage, America would never have become a reality.

But the nation their brave stance created would long have fallen by the wayside if not for our military.

The men and women who have served in our nation’s military deserve our deepest respect and honor.

Sometimes, we place greater honor on those who have seen combat, but in reality, all military veterans deserve our gratitude since their mission could have been changed by the military at any point.

Today, as many of us pause to worship our Creator, let us remember to thank Him for the courage he’s provided to those who have served our country with honor throughout the years.

Several thousand military veterans live in our area, so chances are you know one of them.

Please remember to tell them thank you for their service today. Without their work, we shudder to think where our nation may have wound up.