Today we honor our heroes - U.S. veterans

With our nation fighting a war on terrorism, one not against a specific country but against an enemy with tentacles spread across the globe, it behooves all of us enjoying the comforts of our regular lives to pause on patriotic holidays and consider those who gave up their comfortable lives -- some for a time, some forever.

And today, Veterans Day, we turn our attention to the men and women who fought in or assisted with wars that were as life-changing and history-shaping for them as the war on terrorism is for us.

We thank them for leaving behind their families, friends, churches and jobs to go to France, England, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and so many other distant places to stand up to those who would threaten the American way of life with their hatred.

And we pray for the men and women who are stationed in Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Philippines and elsewhere now, including so many from Southeast Missouri.

There are countless ways to thank our veterans today.

It can be as simple as finding one of the hundreds in our area and shaking his hand.

Or, even better, be inspired by the students in our region who recognize and honor sacrifice at such an early age. Central High School's Tribute to Veterans program begins at 8:30 a.m. today at the school. Jackson High School's ceremony for veterans is at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.

Both events are open to the public -- a public that owes a huge debt of gratitude to those being honored today.