As Veterans Day approaches, The Daily News asks you to honor America’s fighting forces, both those who are in the service of our country now, and those have served in the past. Where would the rest of us be if they were not trained and ready to take up arms in our defense? Where would the United States of America be?

We would surely not be a world power or leader. The Daily News believes that all branches of the U.S. military deserve our thanks, and our respect.

And every member of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy, both then and now, deserves our appreciation.

We are very, very appreciative. Thank you all, both retired and active! We understand the great debt we owe you all. And we don’t believe that we should have just one day a year to express our thanks. One day doesn’t live up to your sacrifice of risking your lives for us.

And they, who were mostly young, also risked their long-term health for us. Many now suffer from illnesses such as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. We say, give all veterans a hug whenever you are able.