For our nation's veterans, sacrifice has a different meaning.
"Every one of us is different, but you have to give up something for your country," said Richard Spangenberg, an Army veteran from Peshtigo, Wisconsin.
So what can you give to someone who has given everything to protect your freedom?
How about a once in a lifetime trip celebrating their service.
The Old Glory Honor Flight brings veterans from Northeast Wisconsin to Washington, D.C. on an all-expenses paid trip to visit war memorials across our nation's capital.
In October, NBC26 had the special opportunity to travel with 77 veterans on the Honor Flight.
For some, it's a trip full of laughs. For others, reflection.
"It might even bring tears to your eyes," one veteran explained.
For all of the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam war veterans, it's full of emotion.
Many veterans spent the day with family. Amy Yates traveled from Boston to spend the day with her father, Roger.
"It means the world to me that I was able to spend this day with him," Yates said.
Throughout the day, it seemed family was celebrated almost as much as the veterans' time in the service.
"It brings back a lot of memories to me," Spangenberg explained.
The veterans finished the day with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier.
"Any war is terrible, no one should have to go through anything like that I think," Spangenberg said.
On the plane ride home, veterans received letters from family and friends.
"It makes you proud to be a veteran," one man said.
They returned to a heroes welcome at Appleton International Airport, a small way of saying thank you for protecting our freedom.
