Every year after Halloween the same thing happens — the quick move to automatically thinking and talking about Christmas.

Questions like “what to get my sister” and “how to decorate the tree this season” immediately arise.

Preparation for Thanksgiving? Nope, Christmas is more important.

Not only does the turkey-filled family holiday get forgotten each year because too many shoppers are thinking about Black Friday and gathering gifts for December but another special holiday is bypassed — Veterans Day.

It is understandable that younger children may not know the significance of the day, thus forgetting it even exists.

But for an adult to only know that the day means clothing sales at outlet stores is ridiculous.

The day is meant for remembrance of those who have sacrificed their time and lives to protect this country.

It is a day for honoring those who have continued for years to serve this nation so that people like you and me can freely enjoy our lives.

Do you really think that sacrifice is not meaningful?

Sadly, some think this way.

Each day a soldier endures is a day fighting for our liberties, freedoms and way of life.

Although we may forget them and their service on a daily basis, all veterans should be thanked often and especially today.

They are brave for stepping foot on enemy territory on the front lines.

They are loyal to Americans near and far, no matter their beliefs or convictions.

And mostly, they are exceptional for wanting to protect people they do not even know.

So on this day, let’s remember those veterans. Let’s pay tribute to them by saying “Thank you.”

Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Let’s be thankful that they exist.

Hannah Davis is the editor of The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at hannah.davis@thecharlottegazette.com.