But for some students, it’s a day to pause and express thanks for those who preserved their freedom to do things most of us take for granted — things like shopping and enjoying a college weekend.

Too often, we need a national holiday to remind us to remember our own defenders. It’s even more helpful if we get a day off work or school to help us really “remember.”

Sadly, even with these holidays in place, we still do not extend proper gratitude to our nation’s heroes.

Every summer, I attend a July 4 parade in my hometown armed with a handmade poster that reads: “We Love Our Veterans.” It is my simple, but sincere, attempt to thank the numerous veterans that file by in the parade.

I never will forget what happened the first year I held my sign. As I was standing to honor the veterans of the first two World Wars, I happened to make eye contact with an elderly veteran.

He was one of the few World War I vets in the parade that year. As we made eye contact, he mouthed the words, “Thank you,” and blew me a kiss.

There I was, trying to express my deep gratitude and he was thanking me for the gesture. It is a very sobering thing to be thanked for doing the thing we all ought to do every day. He was so grateful to be acknowledged.

These heroes are not thanked nearly enough. Even then, it is recognized only on a few special days each year.

I looked for that man the following year. However, as expected, the number of World War I veterans had dwindled. We need to say “Thank you” while there is time.

Our generation might be the last to say it to many of these heroes. It really is the very least we can do.

When it comes to honoring our veterans, why is the majority of the population so inactive? Unfortunately, it is far too easy to take for granted the sacrifices these men and women have made. We get caught up in our own lives and fail to think about everything our veterans have sacrificed.

We struggle for the A on our next exam, yet at this very moment, men and women are overseas engaged in a life-threatening struggle.

These people have volunteered to leave what is comfortable, while most of us remain blissfully unaware of what is unfolding across the ocean.

Inaction simply is unacceptable. Such sacrifice cannot, and should not, be ignored.

It is imperative that we remember to honor and respect veterans of every U.S. conflict. Upon returning home, the veterans of the Vietnam War hardly garnered the appreciation that had been given to the heroes of World War II.

Yes, the conflict was controversial, but does that diminish the personal sacrifice made by those who served? Absolutely not. It has taken far too long for Americans to recognize what the Vietnam vets experienced.

Perhaps we are not there completely yet. Cheers and applause aren’t quite as loud for these particular veterans at my hometown parade. Of course, I still stand up and hold my sign.

Generally, I do not expect much of a reaction from these men, whose war experience has taught them not to demonstrate any sign of “weakness.”

I once was very moved when a veteran glanced down at my sign, brushed away a quick tear and returned immediately to his stoic position.

We can’t forget any of our defenders.

Regardless of one’s personal opinions about U.S. participation in any war or conflict, our veterans deserve our support and praise. This is especially important to remember given our nation’s current involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Political opinion should not affect our level of respect for those who have served diligently.

So, how will we spend today? That is not nearly as important as the choice to remember our nation’s defenders every other day of the year.

To our veterans, thank you. We never will forget your sacrifice.

Kristen Kitti is a State News guest columnist. Reach her at kittikri@msu.edu.