I’m going to take a moment now from my headless-chicken schedule to remember and be thankful for veterans who have risked everything, and in some cases sacrificed everything, by serving their country, and who by so doing made my cushy life possible.

Freedom was built, and is sustained, in many ways — but the men and women of our armed services have been its defenders. Thank you, veterans, whether you served in times of war or peace, at home or abroad, on active duty or in reserve service, for your courage in swearing an oath and donning a uniform so that you could pledge part of your life to the service of others.