Last week, tragic news of the shootings at the Fort Hood army base spread like wildfire; today is Veterans Day. These two events have made me think a lot lately about our men and women in uniform and how much I appreciate what they do.

I remember, as a young child, having Veterans Day programs in school. Some of my classmates’ grandfathers would come in and talk, show some photos and then fold a flag or play ‘Taps’ on the trumpet. It was interesting enough, but it wasn’t until years later that I began to realize what those programs had been all about.

Since that time, many of those same classmates of mine have enlisted in the military and bravely served our country. One of my closest friends has served two active tours of duty: one in Kosovo and most recently in Baghdad, Iraq. I admire him so much for the sacrifices he made and the service that he provided.

Today, I visited Black Hills National Cemetery, near Sturgis. It was a first for me and proved to be a deeply moving experience. Although near Interstate 90, the cemetery is a serenely quiet place. It covers more than 100 acres at the base of the Black Hills and is the final resting place of more than 21,000 veterans.

As I walked the cemetery grounds, reflecting on Veterans Day, I noticed memorials for soldiers of all branches of U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. All wars and conflicts that our nation has been involved in were represented. As I watched visitors paying respects to their loved ones, I was touched by how meticulously the grounds were maintained – a fitting tribute to those interred there.

All of us know someone who either served in the military in the past or is currently serving. Today especially, take the time to thank those members of the military who are still with us and remember those of the past. It is because of them that we are able to live freely in this great country.