Veterans Day is always an important reminder to every American that we should be forever thankful to our generations of military veterans for their dedicated service to our country and all they have done over the years to defend our homeland and protect our freedoms across the world.

On Nov. 10, the Ohio House and Senate held a joint session at Veterans Memorial in Columbus to present the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of 190 Ohio servicemen and women who have lost their lives fighting for our state and country since the tragic terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Ohio General Assembly established this honor in 2009 through passage of Senate Bill 248 as a way to recognize the service and sacrifice of Ohio soldiers killed in battle.

The Military Medal of Distinction features a gold star taken from the gold star service flag, which has been displayed in the homes of the families of fallen service members since World War I. Each point on the star represents the five branches of our nation’s armed forces: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Surrounding the star is a wreath of laurel signifying the most honorable endeavor of the fallen service member. And, in the center of the star is the Great Seal of Ohio illustrating Ohio’s diverse geography.

In addition, the medal is attached to a red, white and blue ribbon symbolizing the United States flag and the State of Ohio burgee. Red commemorates courage, valor and patriotism, while blue honors the loyalty and devotion of the fallen hero. White represents the innocence of lives lost.

Some of the families recognized at the Medal of Distinction ceremony were from the 17th Senate District. I got a chance to visit briefly with the family of Army Private First Class Zachary Gullet from Highland County, who died in May 2007 while serving in Iraq. Army Private First Class Gavin Colburn from Ross County, Army Sergeant Steven Conover from Wilmington and Marine Lance Corporal Aaron Reed from Chillicothe were also honored.

I was also introduced by Ohio Army National Guard Lt. Col. Scott Evans to Melanie Bowen, the woman who inspired legislation that I sponsored in 2008 to establish a Gold Star Family license plate in Ohio for families who have lost a loved one during military service. Melanie’s husband was killed while serving in Iraq.

I attended another Veterans Day ceremony last week where the families of Wellston High School graduates, who were killed in action during the Vietnam War, were honored. It was amazing to see the strength of these families. They are among the most brave and patriotic Americans.

We owe a great deal to the millions of brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country at home and abroad. And, it is important that we honor and support Ohio’s military families, many of whom have lost mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and sons and daughters in battle. Veterans Day is also an important reminder to all Americans that we should always cherish our freedoms and work to be an informed and active citizen of this country.

Thank you to all the brave men and women currently serving in our nation’s armed forces, the millions of veterans who have sacrificed to protect our country from enemies across the globe and all the military families for their love and support of our soldiers and their dedicated work to ensure the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on for generations to come.

Senator John A. Carey Jr., can be reached at the Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or at his office at (614) 466-8156. You can also visit his page on the Ohio Senate website at www.ohiosenate.gov/john-carey.