Amid a historic presidential election, Americans have been quick to fight with one another, whether it’s bickering on social media or holding dueling protests over ballots.

But this week, let’s stop and remember those who fought for this country so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Across America, communities will commemorate Veterans Day on Wednesday, and we want to thank local veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces.

We can never offer enough gratitude to our veterans for their service. They left comforts of home, the routines of daily life and their loved ones to fight for this nation. Those of us who haven’t served cannot understand what veterans went through or the risks they took, but we can let them know that their service is appreciated.

As a way to honor area veterans, the American Legion Hughes-Pittinger Post 26 led a years-long effort to create a Wall of Honor, listing the names of all veterans who have lived in the Powell area since 1919. Unveiled last month, the wall features dozens of plaques bearing the names of more than 2,000 local men and women who served in the U.S. military.

Researching and compiling all the names for the Wall of Honor proved to be a monumental task; a Legion leader said about 300 hours went into the effort over the course of two years. The wall includes the names of hundreds of veterans buried at Crown Hill Cemetery.

All of the hard work and dedication that went into making the Wall of Honor project a reality is commendable.

When driving through town on U.S. Highway 14-A/Coulter Avenue, two tributes to veterans are now visible: the Powell High School Veterans Memorial on the west end of the road, and the Wall of Honor on Clark Street. By honoring local veterans year-round, both sites remind us to be grateful for veterans’ service on more than just one day a year.

At a time when rifts between Republicans and Democrats seem great, let’s come together as Americans to thank the men and women who have served this country throughout the decades. They didn’t fight for a political party, but for the United States — for the freedoms we hold dear and the democracy we cherish. While it may be messy, and we may strongly disagree at times, America is worth fighting for. To those who have done so: Thank you.