Veterans Day

Veterans Day originated as a day for those who served in World War 1, and was called Armistice Day. An armistice is an agreement made by the two sides in a war to stop fighting. It was set to be on November 11, as that was the day that World War 1’s armistice was signed. This was later changed to Veterans Day so as to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War 1. 

We all know we didn’t have school on the 11th. While you may have just taken that as a long weekend, it’s much more than that. 

Freshman Kaitlyn Shoemaker said she didn’t even know it was coming up, because no one was talking about it. But this was a week away from it. More awareness has slowly been raised, with the poppies you’ve seen on teacher’s and peers lanyards, and the video we watched after 3rd hour, during the announcement period. 

Poppies are representative of the bloodshed on the battlefield,

which originated from a poem written by a Lieutenant Colonel. Now this has been largely accepted as a representation of veterans.

Mr. Williams, a special ed teacher, but was known to others as a Staff Sergeant, feels very close to the topic. While he jokes about just going around for free food, he feels very respected as a veteran. But there’s not much you have to do to make them feel important. Williams mentions “I don’t see much more they can do than just a […] thanks for your service.” 

Even if you’re not close to a veteran or know where you’d find one just recognizing what they’ve done is beyond important. “A lot of the freedoms that we have are because veterans fought to keep those,” Williams said, “even the things we take for granted.” 

Mrs. Thompson, now Spanish teacher, was a 96 Bravo first. This meant she monitored third world missiles, and looked at movement. Now she says she likes to “reach out to those who were in the military.” 

Which is what she thinks everyone should be doing as well, “It’s nice just to receive a thank you, you don’t have to extend that far to find someone you know who served,” and even if you can’t find one, you can keep them in your thoughts. 

“Veterans are to be respected and they need our support, a lot of them are coming out with PTSD and there’s a high number of soldier suicide rates, and a lot of times former military doesn’t want to talk about it, because they have to be the tough person”. 

You should always ask respectfully and show veterans that you care about what they have to say, and what they’ve done for you. 

Thompson also said, “Like any other “holiday” it’s not just a one day thing, I know there’s a lot of tension in our country, you know saluting the flag and a lot of different opinions on what the flag represents, and at the end of the day for me the flag represents a joined nation even though we always don’t have the same opinions and thoughts, we are still here because of veterans.”