No greater honor can be found than when an individual chooses to serve the United States in a military uniform.

And on Nov. 11 every year, government offices close and organizations and entities coordinate programs to celebrate veterans' invaluable contributions to our country.

That's fine, but Veterans Day is about more than short, feel-good ceremonies and taking off work for another national holiday.

It's about respect, honor, gratitude, and perspective. It's about understanding.

Blessed and protected by its Creator, America is America because of our veterans, starting from those who waged war on Britian in the 18th century and continuing today. It includes the incredible men and women who served bravely in both world wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and in conflicts and skirmishes elsewhere.

And it includes those in uniform who never fired a shot during hostilities and those who served stateside.

Military veterans aren't just those who commanded troops in the field or who otherwise fought during wars. They volunteer to serve for low pay and the daily possibility they won't come home.

They leave behind wives, husbands, children, parents, and siblings. Some give the ultimate sacrifice for a great nation. Some come home wounded and disabled. And some give a lifetime of service to the U.S. millitary.

Indeed, no greater honor exists for an American than to wear the uniform of the U.S. armed forces. And he deserves our respect, admiration, and gratitude - not just on Nov. 11 each year, but every day.

Because, without our veterans, America would not be America. We would not know this kind of freedom. Our lives as Americans just wouldn't be the same. America would not be the same.

Not everyone is made to be a soldier, and that's okay. For those who are, they're a special kind. And we say "thank you" for your service for which we could never fully repay.

This Veterans Day, take more than a few minutes during a ceremony to show your support. Do something special for our veterans. Help them in some way. Talk to them. Take time to understand their stories and lives. Take the time to care.

And, by all means, leave politics out of it. When it comes to the sacrifices of our veterans particularly and of our military generally, politics are irrelevent - and unwelcome.

Happy Veterans Day.