Veterans deserve a 'thank you' The month of May is National Military Appreciation Month, which includes five holidays: Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, honoring members of our Armed Forces and veterans. I urge all Monmouth County residents to join me in taking some time this month to thank veterans for their selfless service and sacrifice to the United States of America. They are the true defenders of freedom. I believe there is no greater calling than serving one's country as a member of the armed forces. Individuals from the Greatest Generation who have served in World War II, those that have served in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan deserve a "thank you" from each and every one of us. Could you imagine what it was like to storm the beaches of Normandy, or fight in the freezing cold during the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, or having 1 million enemy soldiers chase after you for crossing the 38th parallel? These are some of the sacrifices our veterans have made so that we live in freedom today. Freedom isn't free, but it is worth fighting for. To all of our veterans, let me be the first to say "thank you." You have done amazing things. May God bless you and your families. Jeff Cantor Marlboro Township Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran