We have learned from the Vietnam experience.

When our vets came home from Vietnam, instead of the gratitude extended to veterans of prior wars they were met with hostility; the anger that many Americans felt toward the war was heaped onto returning soldiers. Their service and sacrifice was scorned. An ungrateful nation seemed to abandon them.

It was shameful.

But America over time came to embrace the generation of veterans who faithfully served our nation during that tumultuous chapter of our history. And today, as Washington is gridlocked by partisan discord, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, whether Republican or Democrat, honor the brave young men and women who skillfully serve around the globe.

We are especially proud of our sons and daughters in Iraq and Afghanistan who persevere in a mission that is as perilous as it is arduous. The myriad examples of their devotion to their units and to helping civilians at their own risk, plus their desire to complete the task, witnessed by the high level of re-enlistment, have won the nation's admiration and respect.

Legislation is currently under way to increase and improve our veterans' health care, benefits, housing, and salaries.

As we honor those living veterans who have served America, we pause with a heavy heart to warmly salute the men and women who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There have been many from Virginia's 7th District.

We also honor those who were wounded in the service of their country. Virginia's newest heroes stand in a long line of veterans from our state who answered the call to serve. Their commitment to fight for their country and their willingness to risk life and limb--and if necessary to pay the ultimate price--is what safeguards our precious freedoms.

With our World War II veterans aging rapidly, it's especially important on Veterans Day to celebrate their heroism as well. Consider the indomitable spirit of Staff Sgt. Kermit Judd Jr., 84, of Spotsylvania, an aerial gunner on a B-24 bomber. He risked his own life to pull the crew out of a burning plane and, amazingly, went on to survive five planes that were downed, and fly 47 missions. Shot down over Hungary and taken prisoner for ten months, he managed to escape to safety by walking 300 miles.

Then there's Lt. Col. Edward O'Brien, 86, of Page, who was an integral part of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron that paved the way for Gen. George S. Patton's legendary land offensive through Europe. This decorated fighter pilot put his life on the line hundreds of times while engaging in aerial combat, low-level bombing, and intelligence collection over enemy skies.

American heroes like Judd and O'Brien encourage others to follow in their footsteps and serve in the nation's military. They do that and more. They are not just heroes to their family members and to their communities. They are heroes to us all, for their deeds uplift us and stir us to action.

Just knowing that there are heroes among us inspires us to live a little more bravely, and to make more courageous choices, whatever our struggles, whatever life presents us, in order to emulate their valor.

Their very presence convinces us that anything is still possible--and that we are capable of everything.

Eric Cantor represents the 7th District of Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives.