Sen. John Kerry’s unfortunate suggestion that youngsters who don’t apply themselves to their studies were liable to “get stuck in Iraq,” drew an avalanche of criticism – much of which was politically motivated.

But I think the best reply to Sen. Kerry’s gaffe was one that wasn’t even remotely political.

It came from certain members of our armed forces who are actually serving in Iraq. The Drudge Report ran a photo of eight servicepersons in the field, holding up a huge sign that read, “HALP US JON CARY WE R STUK HEAR IN IRAK.”

When I saw the photo, I laughed out loud. But then I was overcome with admiration for the gallant men and women of our armed forces.

They are America’s best. They are “stuck in Iraq” because a bunch of civilians in Washington – a good many of whom never served in the military themselves – blundered them into a war, and then botched the peacekeeping effort.

Our troops are being shot at, bombed and cursed by the people they liberated from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein. They have seen politicians try to use them as pawns, and they have seen corporate vultures exploit their sacrifice to enrich themselves. They have every right to be disillusioned, every right to feel that their country let them down and every right to feel that they were suckers for signing up.

Instead, they are able to respond to all of this blood, muck and muddle with courage, humor and unquenchable patriotism. My hat is off to them.

These are the kind of men and women who have kept America safe and strong --from the snows of Valley Forge to the present. They deserve to be remembered every day of the year, but especially on Veterans Day.

I say to the members of our armed forces, past and present: Thank you.