It started with an Oct. 17 Facebook post from Tina Readus of Cape Girardeau, Mo.

“Today me and my mom went in Burger King when this older gentleman was in front of us,” Readus wrote. “This young guy comes from the back and extended his hand to this man.

“The man tried to give him his coupon when the guy said ‘Oh no I just want to shake your hand and thank you for your service and for my freedom in this beautiful country,'” Readus continued. “Wow. I almost cried.”

As Readus would further explain, Kenneth Haas, 94, defended our country during World War II. The Burger King employee, Devante Nicholson, grew up in a military family and hopes to one day serve in the U.S. Air Force.

In an age when our computer and smartphone screens are filled with so much negative and frivolous news, this story warmed my heart. It is particularly inspiring to see a younger American fully appreciate the sacrifices of a previous generation. If only more young people could consistently show the same levels of awareness and respect.

While looking at the above photo, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my grandfathers, both of whom put on our country’s uniform during World War II. My maternal grandfather, Clarence Luther, served in the Pacific and met my grandmother in Australia. He passed away in 2000. My paternal grandfather, Canio Sileo, served in Europe and met my grandmother in Germany. He lives in New Jersey.

Since I started writing about the sacrifices of our nation’s military families, I have had the privilege of meeting some of our nation’s best and brightest young men and women. They embody honor, courage and selflessness. As I continue speaking with these heroes, I am reminded of what my grandfathers instilled in me from a young age: Those who wear the uniform may not be perfect, but they are deserving of our utmost admiration.

Giving Brothers Forever to my grandfather, Canio Sileo, 89, in June 2014.

I will always be proud to be the grandson of World War II veterans. Without the Greatest Generation, there would be no America for today’s equally valiant volunteer warriors to defend.

As Veterans Day approaches, let us aspire to emulate not only veterans like Kenneth Haas and my grandfathers, but the young Burger King employee who stopped what he was doing to say, “Thank you.”

Devante Nicholson didn’t just remind me to call my grandfather tonight. His simple, yet profound act of kindness taught us all an important lesson. Every day is Veterans Day.

Tom Sileo is a senior editor of The Stream and co-author of Brothers Forever: The Enduring Bond between a Marine and a Navy SEAL that Transcended their Ultimate Sacrifice.