Today is Veterans Day. It is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while the older Memorial Day, which grew out of Civil War commemorations, specifically honors those who have died while in military service.

As of late I have been reflecting on the profound privileges I have in my life. I enjoy an amazing amount of freedom as an American. In the history of the world I have trouble imagining another another time in history being able to say that as a Jew. In no small fact this is due to protection, bravery, and service provided to this country by our veterans.

On the train home today I found myself rewatching the end of Saving Private Ryan. It still brings me to tears:

What does it mean to “earn it”? As an American, what is the good life? Do we find ways of expressing this gratitude?

Hakarat HaTov– gratitude is not merely feeling polite; it is the deep awareness that nothing in life is self-made or guaranteed. The Torah repeatedly warns against the danger of forgetting this during times of material abundance and prosperity. In Jewish thought, gratitude is an active response rather than a passive emotion. Historically, this was expressed tangibly through the Bikkurim (first-fruits) ceremony in the Temple or the Korban Todah (thanksgiving offering), and today through daily blessings (brachot) and the Modim prayer.

Yes, today was a Federal Holiday, but how many of us found other active ways of expressing our gratitude to Veterans? The greatest tribute to their service is living every day striving to “Earn It”

Thank you for your service.