On Veterans Day we are reminded that freedom isn’t free. The cost of our democracy — rights like the First Amendment, the right to vote, freedom of information and the right to a fair trial — comes at the hands of those risking their lives for us.

Thank you to the millions of veterans who have served and are serving our country. The United States Veterans Affairs estimates there are currently 20 million U.S. veterans.

To those who are currently deployed, our thoughts are with you and we hope you will return home safely. It takes a selfless person to give up a comfortable lifestyle, be away from family, stand ready to protect us at any time and give everything for our country.

Aside from working to protect us overseas, veterans aid in efforts at home. After several recent national disasters, the military has come to the aid of American communities and citizens. Furthermore, the armed forces help with security measures at home as well. 

Whether or not you agree on policy surrounding the military, understanding the cost of freedom is important. It is because of that freedom that we can debate, change or uphold policy that we agree or disagree with.

Here at Iowa State, the Memorial Union is rooted in honoring veterans and fallen service people. It serves as a prolific symbol. When walking in the main entrance, you must walk through the Gold Star Hall, symbolizing the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. After walking past this entrance, you enter a building that’s a public space for exercising your freedom: places where you can participate in local government, speak freely and express ideas, celebrate your culture, send mail, practice capitalism, attend entertainment events, spend time with friends and most importantly, choose whether we want to do any of these things.

The least we can do as Iowa State community members using this space is show our reverence in the Gold Star Hall. This means removing your hat when you walk through. It means taking a moment to remember those we’ve lost and what their sacrifice means to us. It means looking at the names honored and realizing they left behind family, friends and their communities for us. 

Beyond the Gold Star Hall, the Memorial Union is also home to the Veterans Center. The Veterans Center has a mission “to strengthen the lives of Veterans, military personnel, their families and our community.” Through assisting with classes, providing veterans with help in attaining campus resources, dinners, fundraising and more, the Veterans Center helps better the experience of veterans at Iowa State. 

This year, Iowa State honored four servicemen in the annual Gold Star Hall ceremony. Let’s honor them by remembering their service throughout the year and not just on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Let’s honor them by taking a closer look at veterans in poverty and veterans who are homeless.

On Veterans Day and all days, let’s all take a moment to honor our veterans, whether that’s through our words, donations of time or money or simply appreciating the ultimate sacrifice they make for us.