They defend our freedoms. They put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. They serve our country selflessly. Sometimes, they even give up their lives so that we may sustain ours.

And they can't even get Veterans Day off — the one day that's dedicated to them?

Veterans Day — the annual federal holiday honoring our past and present troops — is traditionally celebrated on a weekday.

This year, it falls on Friday. If you're gainfully employed by the non-essential entities of the government, this means you'll most likely score yourself a free day.

But many veterans find themselves working for private corporations following their service — weapons manufacturers, construction, information technology and the like. Which means they're at work on the very holiday that's meant to celebrate them, their achievements and their sacrifices.

So while mail carriers, city human resources personnel and county administrators settle in for another episode in a Parks and Recreation marathon, some of our veterans are doing the exact opposite. They're working, and they're still serving our country — while plenty of others reap the benefits.

It hardly seems very patriotic. Don't you think all veterans deserve the only day honoring them off? I certainly do.