“Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” – President Ronald Reagan.
November is a very important month for the military because of the national holiday, Veterans Day. Veterans Day, previously known as Armistice Day, was made to celebrate the end of World War I. It is celebrated on November 11th because the seemingly endless fighting of World War I finally ended on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honor the veterans who bravely fought to protect their homeland in every war, not just the first world war. In times prior, some of our veterans have not been honored the way they should have been. We continue to celebrate Veterans Day every year to honor their patriotism, to remember their sacrifice, and to uphold their legacy.
One teacher at our school is involved within the military and with our school’s observation of Veterans Day. Social Studies teacher Sergeant First Class Todd Sams is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Corps, and is a former member of the National Guard. He believes that veterans should be honored for their service and for all they’ve done for the country. Forgetting our veterans’ sacrifices is like forgetting our own freedoms. When asked further about this, Sgt. Sams explained “Without veterans, you wouldn’t have the freedoms you have today.” He also said that the military is about protecting the Constitution. When first going into the service, members of the military must swear an oath of enlistment. In that oath, they solemnly swear to protect the Constitution and defend the country from foreign or domestic enemies. When fighting in foreign countries, our veterans lived by this oath and either risked or gave their lives to protect us.
Another staff member involved with the military, JROTC teacher Command Sergeant Major Daniel Sheward, believes that veterans should be honored for the hardships that they endured. Veterans who served in Iraq during the Global War on Terror faced blistering heats in the middle of the desert. Veterans who served in Vietnam faced peril at every step, whether it be from the jungle itself or a surprise attack from the Vietcong. One of the biggest hardships that veterans face is the time away from their families. During World War II, when soldiers were overseas fighting in Europe or in the Pacific, they went months without seeing or even talking to their families. And they did all of that to serve the United States and ensure the liberty of future generations. When asked about his biggest reason to honor our veterans, Sgt. Major Sheward said “We should honor our veterans so that we don’t forget all they’ve done for not just us, but the country.”
One student, sophomore Grant Dallio, believes that veterans should be honored for the service they’ve done to the country. Dallio explained “They gave their lives for us, and they don’t even know us.” Sophomore Elliot Steinmann also believes that veterans should be honored for similar reasons as Dallio. Elliot believes “Veterans have risked their lives to ensure your personal freedoms. Every battle they went into, they were prepared to give their lives to protect the country. And if they had to, I think they would do it again.”
Recognizing the sacrifices our veterans have made allows future generations to appreciate what they have and soldiers who sacrificed everything to allow them to live a prosperous life. As we honor veterans, it is important to respect their feelings, their service, and everything they have done for us. Honoring veterans gives us a unique opportunity to learn about our country’s history. Honoring our veterans can be as simple as saying thank you, or for a more involved opportunity, you can support your closest Veterans of Foreign Wars building or American Legion. As November 11th approaches, don’t forget to thank a veteran.
