This is the time of the year we should be thinking not of ourselves, but the men and women in uniform serving our country.

Many are fighting in faraway places, in a strange land with strange customs, some for a second or third deployment. They leave behind friends, husbands, wives, children, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.

They will be celebrating Christmas in a strange land with only their comrades in arms while we are home celebrating with our family and friends. These men and women are giving their lives today so we can remain free and celebrate our time-honored traditions of celebrating Jesus Christ our Savior, Christmas, and Santa Claus with our families.

For me, it is a time to remember all our forefathers, who came before us and died on the battlefield – men who stood up against tyranny and made this country what it is today.

I remember George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Eve. I remember the cold winter they spent at Valley Forge, where we lost a lot of men due to starvation and sickness. I think about Abraham Lincoln who was assassinated trying to keep the Union together.

I think about my great-grandfather Moses Cross who fought in the Civil War. I think about my half-brother Roland Cross who fought in World War II, the Korean War, and survived both. He lost one eye, had a steel plate inserted in the back of his head, and had his hips wired together so he could walk again.

I think about my other half-brother, Herald Ayers, who fought in the Korean War and got shot in the leg and came home. I think about my twin brother, Ray Cross, who fought in Vietnam and was fortunate enough to come home. I also served but was lucky enough not to serve in combat. Our family was one of the fortunate ones where we all came home when so many did not.

Now I think about my grandson, Lance Cpl. Andrew Harman, who was just deployed to Afghanistan last month. We were all proud to do our duty. When called upon, we went. We didn’t do it for money or glory. We did it because we loved our country. We took an oath to defend this country, protect our Constitution and protect us from evil.

As you sit at your table to eat Christmas dinner, remember your friends, relatives, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives who have put on a uniform to keep us safe, so we may enjoy our Christmas dinner.

Many of these men and women will not have much of a Christmas dinner. They will either be on patrol or in a cold, dark foxhole on the outer perimeter guarding our troops inside the perimeter. Anybody who has been in the military knows this is one of the loneliest duties.

I salute each and every one that has put on a uniform, served our country or given their life for our freedoms. They will endure many hardships, hardships most of us will never know, unless you’ve been there.

If you know of someone in the military, write to them and often. If you do not know anybody, call a recruiter, the American Legion or any military installation. I’m sure they can hook you up with someone. A letter from home is sometimes the only thing they receive.

When I was in the military for the first time I could hardly wait for mail call to receive a letter from back home. When I didn’t, I felt awfully lonely and disappointed. Sometimes it’s the letter that keeps you going. It doesn’t have to be long. Just a note saying you care will suffice. A lot of these young men and women have never been away from home before. They get lonely, scared and wonder what will happen to them. Say a prayer that they will come home.

We also must remember those that are in military hospitals all over the world. Some have minor injuries while others have substantial injuries that they may have to live with. These men and women are the true heroes.

Richard Cross lives in Naples.