How do we say thank you to a group of people who have given us everything we have?

What do we give a group of people who were willing to give — and in many cases gave — everything they had, including their life, to allow us to have the life we live today?

Monday marked the annual observation of Veterans Day. As we have done for many years before, Selma came together at Memorial Stadium to hear a speech by retired Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, salute the flag and sing the National Anthem.

But in the end, those were all ceremonial activities. The most important part of Monday’s event were the handshakes hugs and the personal displays of appreciation to the veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and everything in between.

In nearly every case, the men and women honored were humble in their acceptance of appreciation. Some were more focused on saying thanks to fellow veterans they never met or shaking the hand of a fellow veteran they sadly only see each year at this ceremony.

It might sound cliché, but it is our responsibility. We live under the freedom that generations of veterans have given their lives to protect and should show our appreciation each and every day. We should also find ways to support them long after their military careers have ended, through the benefits and long-term care they have earned.

Our veterans are a selfless group who have gladly given everything for us to continue living the lives we all enjoy. And, in return, they have never asked for much.

So again, we ask. What do we give a group of people who were willing to give — and in so many cases gave — everything they had, including their life, to allow us to have the life we live today?

The answer is simply anything they need.