I seem to be on overload from all of the sale ads I heard on Veterans Day. It seems like everything was on sale, cars and furniture, fashion and jewelry, technology and toys. There was only one item not on sale, in fact it has never been on sale, and that is the possession we hold dearest…our freedom. That is the one asset we paid for in full price with the blood and treasure of America's finest young men and women. It’s time we stopped looking at Veterans Day as a shopping experience and remember what really counts. It is a day to honor, a day to pay our respects, and a day to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those who serve in harm’s way. A day to proudly say G-d Bless America.

I remember a story I heard about General Colin Powell. At a fairly large conference the general was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of “empire building” by George Bush. The general answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders.  The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return."

Let’s bring Veterans Day back, not as a one day holiday but as a start of a year round appreciation to those who protect and defend us. In our own small way here at the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation we are showing our appreciation with the creation of the Protect the Protectors fund. This fund will provide care for the physically and emotionally disabled veterans from the Dallas area. Making a contribution to this fund is a perfect place to say thank you. To make a gift to Protect the Protectors, please click here and select Protect the Protectors Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation from the dropdown menu. Our returning warriors need all of our support. Thank you is simply not enough. They have given so much; it is time for us to give back to them.