In the Eagle’s Tuesday issue, a feature on Kathy Contres was published in the Community section. She retired from the military as a captain 2010, and was the highest-ranking female Hispanic American officer in the Navy at the time. Recently, she was part of the first-ever, all-women honor flight.

While reading the article, we found ourselves frequently stopping at a portion where Contres was quoted saying: “When the veterans go on these flights, they have tears in their eyes because it’s just something that they never thought they’d ever get to do or receive the recognition and the acknowledgment.”

We were raised to respect the men and women who serve our country. We can distinctly remember singing during all of the Veterans Day ceremonies at school and decking the place out in red, white, and blue.

Later, we would realize the enormity of their sacrifice.

In today’s world, youth frequently idolize figures in popular culture that, in reality, haven’t done much of anything to deserve the recognition they receive.

We won’t name names, but it’s articles like the one about Contres that make us realize there’s more to earning honor than a lilting soprano voice or a good head of hair.

When the statement was made that veterans shed tears over being honored for service after never entertaining the idea that such a thing would happen, we were in awe — not for the first time, but nevertheless in awe — of the noble humility people such as these innately possess.

These people are the ones who deserve our attention.

With the July Fourth festivities ahead, remember who makes it possible for us to celebrate our freedom each year.

What’s more, remember to honor the veterans in your life all year, rather than just on select holidays. We have heroes walking among us every day, and we don’t usually think twice about it.

To Kathy Contres, veterans, and all active-duty service men and women: We see you, and we thank you.

– CM