I want to begin my comments this week by taking a moment to honor our veterans as we celebrate Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is a time to honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces: the men and women who have worn the uniform to protect freedom, both at home and abroad. Memorial Day honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice, while Veterans Day reminds us to appreciate those who have returned from service and continue to give back to our communities in various ways.

Each year, towns across Nebraska, such as Stapleton, Thedford, McPherson County, Halsey, and Mullen, to name a few, gather to honor our soldiers. Julie and I look forward to participating in the Veterans Day parade in North Platte on November 11 at 4:30 p.m., beginning in the Canteen District. It is a humbling experience to stand among those who have dedicated part of their lives to protecting our nation and safeguarding the freedoms we often take for granted.

The most significant public service anyone can offer is serving in the U.S. military. The bravery, discipline, and sense of duty that veterans bring into civilian life strengthen our communities. They serve as leaders in schools, churches, businesses, and local groups, continuing their legacy of service long after retiring from active duty. It is also important to remember the sacrifice made by the families of veterans, many of whom go long stretches without seeing their service member, spend many nights worrying about their safety, move throughout the U.S. and world, and ultimately provide critical support to our military members – during and after their time of service.

As your State Senator, I am committed to making sure that Nebraska continues to honor the service of our military members and their families, not just in words but through real actions. Our state has made significant progress recently to improve access to education, housing, and healthcare for veterans and their families. However, there is always more we can do to ensure that those who protect our freedoms have every chance to succeed when they come home.

While much of my work this fall has been focused on preparing legislation for the upcoming session, Veterans Day reminds us why public service is important. I hope everyone will take a moment to reflect on how they can serve in their own way, whether running for public office, volunteering time, donating to charitable causes, helping an elderly or disabled neighbor, or any service that aligns with your skills and talents.

The freedoms we enjoy in our democratic system are thanks to generations of veterans ready to defend them. This week, let’s take a moment to thank a veteran and reflect on the huge debt we owe to those who have served.

Thank you to our veterans for your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the United States of America.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Nebraska Legislature, and I look forward to continuing to hear about issues that are important to you. I can be reached at 402-471-2729 or by emailing me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.