Despite my Texas swagger, I'm really not one to pat myself on the back. So when it comes to my military service, I'm proud of it, I think I did a good job, but I was a cog in the big machine. I did my work, sometimes it was under hazardous, stressful or inconvenient conditions, but I just did my small part to keep the millstone turning.

I say all that as a preface for honoring America's military veterans. These people, as a group, have done more for our country over the past 200+ years than any other. Sacrifice is an unavoidable element of military service, but as a group, military folks tend to focus more on the opportunities that are presented to them than the sacrifices they must make.

Veterans, during their military service, are the key promoters of American values and ethics. The earliest members of the US military provided a superb foundation for their successors to build upon, embracing the military culture of working hard, doing what's right because it's right, and loving one's country to the point of placing its welfare ahead of one's own.

If you love your country, remember that it wouldn't be what it is today without those who have served in the military. Veterans certainly didn't make America what it is today all by themselves, but without their efforts in the past, America would be faint shadow of its current greatness.

Much of what we have today, both concrete and abstract, was made possible by the efforts of America's veterans. Thank you, my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, for your service and sacrifice.

Joining James Joyner and others in honoring our fellow veterans.