Three days ago, Americans exercised one of their most important rights when they headed to the polls and elected Donald Trump as the next president.

Today, we have the opportunity to honor, recognize and remember the brave men and women who fought to protect that freedom, along with many others.

Veterans Day recognition has already begun around Winchester and Clark County, with ceremonies at local schools, restaurants offering free meals and organizations spending a few hours honoring their veteran employees, members and loved ones.

Veterans Day is honored each year on Nov. 11. It began as a way to recognize the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

In the time since that war ended, American men and women have given of their time, their youth, their innocence and often their lives to defend their country.

President Woodrow Wilson first established what is now known as Veterans Day in 1919. It was called Armistice Day and recognized the 116,000 fallen U.S. soldiers.

Today, Veterans Day recognizes all veterans and active duty service members.

We want to express our sincere gratitude for our neighbors, friends and family who made the sacrifice to protect our homeland and fight for our freedoms abroad. Their families also deserve credit and appreciation for the sacrifice it is to send your spouse, child, sibling or parent to serve.

Organizations throughout Winchester and Clark County do a good job recognizing and honoring veterans all year long, but especially today, take some time to thank a veteran. Give a family member a hug and tell them you appreciate their service. Shake hands with the man in the grocery line wearing his Vietnam War veteran hat. Leave a note of appreciation the car with the “Proud Marine Mom” license plate. Send a Facebook message to your former classmate who enlisted after graduation.

These brave individuals walk among us every day asking for no recognition for all they have done. But, they are most deserving.