Sir, thank you for this article. We tend to think first, and not wrongly, of your sacrifice of time — from family and friends, from home — and not of those permanent scars you bear to protect our freedom.

When I thank a veteran, it feels insufficient. But I cannot imagine not. My kids used to salute service men and women when they saw them, out of respect, and I am proud of that response. Sir, let me ask you: If their father was also to salute you and your brothers and sisters in arms, would that be respectful?