On this day to honor America’s veterans living and dead who served honorably in this nation’s armed forces, it is appropriate to reflect on several messages of the late President Ronald Reagan relevant to the observance of this national holiday.

One that particularly stands out:

“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran doesn’t have that problem.”

Indeed, America’s service personnel, men and women alike, whether they served — or are serving — overseas or stateside, have had a profound impact in protecting the well-being of this country and, in the process, many other right-thinking nations.

It is not hard to imagine the terrible circumstances under which people of this land might be living if this country lacked a strong defensive force over the 200-plus years of its existence.

That point of thought leads into another important message Reagan delivered during his presidency — that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

The past several years have confirmed the extent of domestic forces that need to be feared, amid the concerns over the actions and ultimate intentions of adversaries such as Russia and North Korea.

Reagan understood — and so do today’s veterans — history’s message that “war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.”

Russia, North Korea and others surely ascribe to that dangerous notion and ignore the possible horrific consequences, not only for themselves but for the rest of the planet.

It is safe to say that no medal can adequately honor veterans for their service. Regarding that kind of thinking, Kennedy was right that people of this country must never forget that “the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Reflect on the words of these and other presidents related to this holiday and those who it honors.

Expand on mere reflection by attending a Veterans Day parade, if one is available in your area, and participate in other activities that might be available.

Instill in your children some facts about the holiday’s meaning, and how veterans’ service will affect their lives in the near and distant futures.

Remind them that today’s national holiday began as Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I, which took place on Nov. 11, 1918 — and that it was 1954 when the 83rd U.S. Congress changed “Armistice” to “Veterans” at the urging of veterans service organizations.

Each year the ranks of surviving veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War thin significantly. Still, many of the veterans still healthy enough, as well as men and women who have gained veteran status more recently, accept invitations for free meals at restaurants honoring them and their service.

On that service note, when you see a veteran today, don’t fail to deliver the following message: “Thank you for your service.”

It is an appropriate message all year long.