We have the day off today for Veteran’s Day. More accurately, my son has the day off from school and therefore I am home with him (much like when parents are home sick…a circumstance that rarely refers to their own health and well-being).

Today is Monday, but we’re “observing” tomorrow’s holiday today so that we can all enjoy a three-day weekend. I’m actually glad I’ll be in the workplace on the actual holiday, because all around us at work are veterans, and most people are not even aware of their co-workers’ service to our country.

In my family, most of the men and a few of the women have put on a uniform at one time or another. We have an unfailing habit when we come across a vet--we say thank you to them for their service.

I may or may not ask where and when they served. If it happens that they were in combat, they may not wish to talk about it, but vets are unfailingly happy to hear that we Americans are glad they made it home safely. Vets for whom fate spared the experience of combat are thanked with equal sentiment--it’s their willingness to go in harm’s way for us that matters.

Ask around the younger and the older people in your own workplace. There will probably be a surprise or two. Be sure to thank them.

If you are in a position to hire other people, you will almost certainly come across a veteran at some point. Vets are returning to an uncertain job market and they need our help and support. Fortunately, there are organizations out there to assist them. Carolyn featured one of them, RecruitMilitary, in her New York Daily News column . Be one of those “vet-friendly” employers they refer to in the article--you won’t regret it.