Freedom is not free. Many of us hear this so often that it may not even register in minds anymore. Thus, we might forget what that phrase's intended meaning was and continues to be.

It might seem ironic: freedom does not come free. Since the word freedom has the prefix "free," many can understandably assume freedom does not come with any costs. If a random stranger came up and asked you, "What is a cost of war?" the most likely answer would be something related to money. Again, this is an understandable answer except we are leaving out a tremendous and significant cost.

Lives. Lives of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents. The more fortunate ones come home safely from war; less fortunate ones come home but with sometimes life-altering injuries, and the rest are those who literally died fighting. However, all deserve to be thanked. Thanked for their sacrifice: for putting the needs of others in front of their own, for going to war knowing they have a 50/50 chance of making it home, and for deciding this country, and the people in it, are worth defending. Thanked for witnessing things, doing things, experiencing things that no one person should have to.

Not only should we thank those brave individuals, but also we should thank the family and friends of those said brave individuals. They are willing to go through possibly extended periods of time without hearing from their loved one. They are willing to continue living their lives despite not having a mother or father or husband or wife every day.

As the proud granddaughter of two Korean War veterans, I had first-hand experience with the costs of war. Others might not believe as strongly as I do about Veteran's Day or Memorial Day or any other military holiday. That's okay. There is one thing, though, I believe every American should do more often than they probably do: thank a veteran.

My name is Melissa Curtis, and here are the veterans I am thanking.

Thank you, Sergeant Sylvester Fortman, of the US Army, whose honors include the Purple Heart.

Thank you, Airman 1st Class Merlyn Curtis, of the Air Force, whose honors include the Purple Heart.

I challenge everyone to thank at least one veteran for their service and sacrifice. Veterans deserved to be thanked more often than a couple of times a year.

Always remember: freedom does not come free.