Most of Covington County lay silent Tuesday.

School buses sat idle. Bank lines were empty. Offices were closed.

People in this county observed Veterans Day.

And while there weren't any big public parades, ceremonies or dedications on this day, there was one thing present.

The knowledge of the many who have sacrificed so much for our country.

We haven't forgotten the service of those veterans. We will never forget. Each family in Covington County has been touched in some way by the military.

And for the sacrifices each family and veteran has made, we say "Thank you."

But, as we say thanks to those who have served, we must remember the thousands that are in service today. Overseas - some in a war zone in Iraq or Afghanistan. Others who are in war zone that simply sits with immense tension in the DMZ in Korea.

And, yes, there are others who are away in some foreign land performing their daily duty at embassies, military bases and interests sections all over the globe. We can't forget those either.

On this, the day after the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we should still pause and remember those who remain in service for our country.

They do not know when they will be called up to offer up the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We can only hope that they never have to make that sacrifice.

But we can rest securely in the knowledge they are prepared.

We continue to honor our veterans - and their families - because military life is a family thing. And we continue to support them - because they need all the support we can give.