Originally named Armistice Day, the tradition of Veterans Day began on the first anniversary of the end of World War I. As a national holiday, our country designates this day every year to thanking and honoring our veterans. But how much attention does the American public really pay to observing the holiday?

With the election having just ended, and Thanksgiving around the corner, many Americans this year seemed to have their attention focused on other affairs. This is not something new – I’ve noticed it every year and am equally as guilty for not giving the holiday the attention it deserves. If Snapchat hadn’t put up a Geofilter for Veterans Day, I don’t think I would’ve remembered the holiday, and I’m sure this goes for many others out there. I’m also aware that many people only recognize the holiday as something that gets them out of school or work, and this may be problematic for the reputation of this holiday.

The service that our armed forces give all over the world is constantly overlooked, as it is easy to forget about something that isn’t immediately in front of us. Many Americans take for granted the protection that our veterans have given us throughout history. From the Revolutionary War to today’s War on Terror, our armed forces have constantly put themselves in the face of danger for the sake of our rights and freedom.

Think about it – if we didn’t have our veterans, we wouldn’t have those other holidays. We wouldn’t have Halloween or Thanksgiving. We wouldn’t be able to vote on Election Day. We wouldn’t have our Constitutional rights. We wouldn’t be able to freely speak out against Hillary Clinton, or protest against Donald Trump’s win.

Although we may take our rights and freedoms for granted, they are nonetheless still there, and our lives would be completely different without them. Unfortunately, there are people living in this world right now who aren’t fortunate enough to have their natural rights like we are. As Americans, our Constitution and government recognize these freedoms, and our armed forces constantly work to protect them.

Not only did our veterans fight on the battlefield, but they also fight at home. According to studies and statistics, PTSD is not uncommon among our veterans at home. And according to a 2012 VA Suicide Data Report, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide a day. This is a frightening statistic, and brings into question how well we show our appreciation to our veterans. Our veterans fought for us, and we should return the favor by fighting for them here at home.

So the question is – how can we keep our veterans in mind, especially on this important holiday? What can we do, as Americans with free speech and a free country, to honor those who serve us? How can we let them know that they are loved, respected, and appreciated?

I’m not exactly a role model on the topic, and I most certainly do not have all the answers. But my answer is to challenge you all, and myself, to incorporate our armed forces and veterans into our lives. Whenever we see veterans, let’s thank them for their service. If Snapchat puts up a Geofilter about Veterans Day, let’s send it out to all our friends. When we exercise our rights as Americans, let’s take a moment to reflect on the people who have helped us get where we are today, as they are the backbone of America. Let’s work together to not let Veterans Day go unnoticed.