Veteran’s Day. It’s a point in time when we, as Americans, honor those who have served in the military. We know that this week, social media will be flooded with remembrances and thank yous to all who have served. And it should, there’s no doubt about that.

But those efforts, sharing a meme, posting a thank you, or liking someone else’s post commemorating the day might not be enough. In fact, it could ring hollow.

In one of his final public acts before he was assassinated in the fall of 1963, President John F. Kennedy said: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

It encapsulates what our society sometimes loses in the age of social media, that likes and follows are not the ultimate effort when it comes to showing our appreciation for veterans.

The Mining Journal is featuring six veterans in our upcoming “Service and Sacrifice” special section.

These men and women served bravely in the military. But now they have an attitude of gratitude.

They continue to serve their community and other veterans, in spite of — or perhaps, because of — their own experiences while they were in the service.

These small acts — calling bingo at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, transporting veterans to medical appointments, making sure every veteran has food, shelter, medical benefits and someone to talk to — is top of mind for these men and women.

Our gratitude this Veteran’s Day should reflect our thankfulness for the bravery and sacrifice of every person who’s gone into military service. Some of them didn’t come home.

Our society has become enlightened. We are constantly reminded to thank a veteran for their service, but consider doing more than that.

There are countless ways to help, from participating in an Honor Flight, volunteering at a veteran’s home or event, making a donation to a local veteran’s organization or simply helping a neighbor in need.

The best thank you for those who fought to protect our freedoms is to use our liberty to make life better for those around us.

Thank you to every veteran who served. We salute you.