Here is some leadership that cities – including Chicago – could and should follow. It comes from citizens who are standing up in support of those who truly deserve it.

For months we’ve heard many chant the disingenuous phrase, “We hate the war but honor our armed forces”. For months we’ve watched universities banning military recruiters from their campuses, and city councils moving against military installations and recruiting offices, and even an ad calling a brave general a disgrace. This is hardly honoring the military members who are putting themselves in harms way to protect America. This is not hating the war but honoring the men and women serving America. This is a disgrace.

Now, a group in Florida is standing up against the anti-military speech and movements. The Navy’s Saint Augustine Council – made up entirely of citizens—is adopting the officers and crew of the USS Klakring – a frigate that roams the ocean in search of enemy submarines and a combatant in the war on drugs, which has already seized $300 million worth of contraband.

The adoption – by citizens of St. Augustine, Florida – means the league will host the crew of the Klakring as members of an extended Navy family. The sailors and their families will be treated to fine dining, lodging and special events whenever weighing anchor in St. Augustine.

The Klakring, named for Rear Admiral Thomas Klakring who commanded a submarine in WWII and was awarded for valor with the Navy Cross and Bronze star, carries a complement of 209 officers and crew.

Councils around the world have now adopted nearly 500 ships, squadrons, Marine Corps, Coast Guard boats and even some Merchant Marines.

At the ceremony announcing the adoption in St. Augustine, the Navy League’s National President, Mike McGrath, described the program’s importance.

“This program underscores our commitment to improving the understanding of and the appreciation for our men and women who wear the cloth of our nation. It provides an opportunity to provide community support and assistance to crew members when they are away from home.”

To the officers and crew of the Klakring he said, “We are proud to be your extended family and extremely proud of your many accomplishments. We are very proud of you and are deeply indebted to your families for your sacrifices in support of our great nation. Please know that we will always be here for you. God bless this great ship and crew and God bless this Navy league.”

Every city would do well to emulate these adoptions. Rather than mere lip service, every city should adopt our units of Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserves.

We have parades for our winning teams. We turn out in droves to catch a glimpse of a visiting movie star. We attend fundraisers for politicos. Yet what are we doing for our brave men and women who have volunteered to put their private lives on hold and give years of service to America?

They, not the movie stars, are the real heroes.

They are putting their lives on the line to protect us.

We are at war and they are serving.

The least we can do is thank them by showing our gratitude.

It is time.

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Mary Laney, a longtime TV anchor and commentator, is a regular columnist for The Chicago Daily Observer and a member of its editorial board.