Two hundred and thirty-one years ago the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, insisting that the country should be free and democracy should reign. We study them in history books, teach our children to idolize national heroes like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and once a year hold parades and set off explosives in their honor.

But really, those old white guys don’t impress me anymore.

I admit, they had me going for a while back in fifth grade. I mean after all, Presidents’ Day got us one of those coveted three-day weekends. And in high school my A.P. U.S. History teacher sang the praises of Thomas Jefferson the same way he triumphed practicing multiple-choice tests. But almost six years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a solid half-decade after the initial invasion of Afghanistan, it’s becoming increasingly clear who the real American heroes are.

I don’t mean this to be one of those sappy Support the Troops columns. Because really, Supporting the Troops should be like breathing or sleeping or laughing. You don’t really think about it. You just do it.

My point is that in the 231 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, America’s had tens of thousands of heroes who have done a lot more than put pen to paper. Think about it. Maybe your great-great-great-grandfather died in the Civil War. Maybe your great aunt was a nurse in World War II. Maybe your uncle lost part of his childhood in Korea, or your dad lost part of his pride in Vietnam, or your cousin lost part of her leg in Iraq. I had two grandfathers who served in World War II. Maybe you don’t know anybody who was ever involved in a major international conflict. But I doubt it.

Heroes are people like Jacob Tracy, a 20-year-old kid from Palestine, Ill., a little town down in Crawford Country. Tracy lost his life in Iraq when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in mid-June.

Heroes are people like Lloyd Guy Attaway, an 84-year old man who also grew up in Palestine and also fought for his country. He once drove his Jeep through a field in Germany, following the tracks of some vehicle that went before him. The first car had laid a mine field, and by staying precisely to its path Attaway, my grandfather, avoided detonating any of the bombs. He was luckier than Tracy. But he is no less a hero.

John Hancock and John Quincy Adams and all those guys did a lot for America. We wouldn’t be here without them. But they put words to paper. Others, many a little closer to home, put their lives on the line.

This column is a little short on words, but long on importance. Thank a veteran. Thank him for his service. Thank her for her sacrifice.

Thank them all for our independence.