Though we officially celebrated Veterans Day on Monday, we hope people will make an extra effort to thank veterans throughout the year for their dedicated service.

Veterans are a special group of men and women who have served their country in some capacity, oftentimes risking their own lives.

According to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Services, there were an estimated 2,493 veterans in Freeborn County in 2017. Of those veterans, 31.1% were 75 and older, 30.5% were 65 to 74, 16.8% were 55 to 64, 18.8% were 35 to 54 and 2.9% were 18 to 34.

Veterans make up an estimated 8% of the Freeborn County population.

No matter what their age or service, these individuals have shown extraordinary patriotism and sacrifice for the people of this country — and many continue to show that to this day.

We thank them for their service, and for their families who have supported them.

We hope the spirit of honor toward these individuals continues all year.