It is fitting that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are separated by only about two weeks on the calendar. When we stop and think about all the things we are thankful for, our military veterans are a great place to start.

Since the founding of our country, there have been people selflessly willing to stand up to fight for liberty and peace around the world. What began as Armistice Day in 1918 has continued to be an annual tribute to the brave sacrifices made by the men and women who have donned the military uniform in defense of those ideals.

For many, the call to service does not end when they complete their time in the military. We are truly blessed that so many men and women return home and continue helping their neighbors and communities as police officers, firefighters and first responders.

The Ohio House and Senate recently passed legislation to recognize these kinds of individuals by designating November 10th as “Armed Services, Peace Officer, First Responder and Dual Service Recognition Day.” It is a simple, but I believe meaningful, way of calling attention to just how much these courageous individuals do for the state of Ohio each and every day.

It was an honor for me to joint-sponsor this legislation with Rep. Terry Johnson, who served multiple tours in Iraq and as the first State Aviation Medical Officer in the Ohio Army National Guard.

During my time in the Ohio House, I have had the privilege of working with several other military veterans from both sides of the political aisle. Their voices and background are so critical when it comes to serving the needs of the nearly 900,000 veterans living in Ohio, the sixth-largest veteran population in the United States.

The issues and concerns that impact our veterans have always been a major emphasis in the House and will continue to be as we move forward.

To the veterans living in the 91st District and across Ohio: Thank you for your service. It is because of people like you that the United States remains the symbol of freedom, peace and prosperity that has defined our nation throughout history.

Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger represents Ohio’s 91st District, which includes Clinton County.