This month we celebrate two very special days as citizens of the United States -Election Day and Veterans Day. Both days are significant because they transcend many of the typically partisan dividing lines of the modern day political landscape.

Regardless of political affiliation, both days hold special importance to anyone calling themselves an American. After all, freedom of choice is what we celebrated Nov. 6 - the freedom and ability to have our opinion valued and counted. The basic human right to be acknowledged, valued and counted is a concept that shouldn't be taken lightly, as millions of people around the world do not live under such freedoms.

It's probably appropriate that we celebrate Veterans Day in the same month as Election Day. Again, whether we agree or disagree with our military involvement in various issues around the world, one thing is for certain - the veterans that we recognize have given the ultimate gift to our country - they stood ready and willing, putting their own lives on the line to protect the values of a free, democratic society.

In reflecting on the vision of the founding fathers to construct a framework of a free society built for the long haul, and in contemplating the sacrifices veterans have made to protect the freedoms that we enjoy under this framework, our perspective is changed.

As individuals and as a society, will we take advantage of the foresight and sacrifice of the founding fathers and generations of veterans and seize opportunity or make excuses, pursue achievement or accept mediocrity? That is the catch 22 of living in a free society. We aren't forced into doing many things; we have choice in the vast majority of the major events of our lives.

We don't like to admit this, but with choice comes responsibility. It is easier to chalk significant events in our life up to “the system,” being “unlucky” or getting a “bad break.” What a disservice to those that have defended our ability to choose. The choice to allow yourself, actually require yourself, to become educated is a choice we can all make but don't always take full advantage of. Maybe in some respects we are victimized by our own success, lulled into complacency by the freedom and opportunity we are surrounded by.

The fact is this #- we are afforded more opportunity than any other society. We don't have many excuses. Do we have obstacles, adversity and challenges? #- Of course. Through the opportunity (actually requirement) afforded citizens of the United States to pursue a formal education allows everyone a chance to learn.

But the factors impacting success certainly are not equal for everyone. No, we don't all enjoy the same level of natural intelligence, of parental support, of mentors in the form of teachers, administrators, coaches, etc. That is where recognition of the sacrifice of others can help us. The founding fathers focused on opportunity, not obstacles. They chose thoughtful action over passive indifference. They saw the chance to achieve, not a reason to fail.

Seizing opportunity and finding a way to accomplish a mission is the enduring legacy of their gift to us. While we may differ in our political beliefs, I'm sure of one thing - few things are more offensive than indifferent mediocrity.

Education is about choice, and what you decide to learn about is largely your choice. That is what the framers of the constitution and the veterans who defended it valued. Shouldn't we at least pursue our individual path with equal vigor? I think that was the goal of the brave men and women - to fight and defend something that mattered.

Seems like we should at least honor their efforts by taking full advantage of the freedoms we enjoy. At the heart of those freedoms is the hunger to educate oneself, not just to be a product of the system. Perspective is everything. The hunger to learn and become better is the greatest tribute we could pay to the people we honor this week.

Shawn Bissetta is principal of Dana L. West High School in Port Byron.