Independence Day means a lot of different things to different people, but for veterans, it can have a unique significance. On July 4th, millions of Americans acknowledge the freedoms they enjoy and the sacrifices of those who have served in our nation’s armed forces.

For those who have served, it can be a day to reflect on both the price of freedom and the privilege of American citizenship.

For veterans, Independence Day is about recognizing the courage and sacrifices they have made to secure the freedoms we all enjoy. When they enlisted in the military, many of them were putting their lives on the line to protect our nation’s values of liberty and justice. Now, on Independence Day, it is our turn to honor them. We should remember not only what they’ve done but also the struggles they’ve faced while serving and afterwards, including the lifelong physical and emotional wounds of war.

It’s also important to recognize the contributions made by all who serve, not just those whose service resulted in fatalities. Freedom, after all, doesn’t come free. It comes at a cost, and veterans understand this better than anyone. The efforts of those who serve, both in peacetime and in combat, directly impact our freedoms every day.