In Flander's Fields the poppies blow
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard among the guns below.
We are the dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
in Flander's Fields...(Major John McCrae, May 1915)
On Friday, November 11, 2022, America will pause to observe Veteran's Day, or as it is known across Europe, Remembrance Day. It is one day: twenty-four hours, 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds; that we are to stop and remember those who sacrificed all for our freedom.
For many of us, Veteran's Day is often just a happy relief from school and work--a day to sleep in, binge watch your favorite programs, go out and play a game of tackle football with your friends, or just enjoy a BBQ in the yard and the beautiful Arizona weather we are so blessed with this time of year. It is a day we celebrate, in our own way, our freedom to do the things we like to do or take a well-needed rest from our responsibilities. I have always had a very deep appreciation for our Veterans as I come from a military family of people who served their country with great pride, and am now the mother of a Navy officer. However, I don't believe I ever truly felt the weight of what that day means until 2013 when I stood in the Globe Theater in London on Remembrance Day with my Will Power Cast of Taming of the Shrew.
Every November 11th in London, during the 11th hour of the day, everyone stops: pedestrians, cars in traffic, people going about their business in the office or at school. All of them stop and offer two full minutes of silence, and then the church bells chime, all throughout the city, to remember the dead. Our tour guide at the theater that day told us this would occur, and so, in the middle of our tour, we did as Londoners do: we stopped. We stood silently, many of us wearing the traditional, European poppy flower remembrance pins. We waited in that silence, bowing our heads until the chimes of Westminster reminded us wistfully of the wondrous gift of our lives and our freedom.
Every time we visited London with Will Power after that, we would top to visit Westminster Abbey which is located near Big Ben and Parliament. During the entire month of November, surrounding Westminster Abbey, there are small crosses decorated with red poppies with names on them. They fill in the grass all around the large cathedral, each bearing the name of one who was lost.
In 2014, an artist was specially commissioned to create glass poppies to fill the grassy moat around the Tower of London-- one poppy for every British subject who served and gave his or her life in all of the battles since WW1. With my Romeo and Juliet cast that year, I had the incredible honor of seeing that sight. I have included pictures here because this is one of those times when words truly cannot capture the magnitude of such a sight.
For this blog, I wanted to take the time and honor some of the heroes--some of the lost. I have chosen four. They have fought in different battles and in different ways. They are not well known or widely celebrated, but they are, most certainly, heroes who offered great sacrifice--one of them, the ultimate sacrifice. They are but four of thousands of these such unsung heroes, and they deserve our reflection. I hope that after you learn about them and read a little bit about their contribution to our world and our freedom, you will give them a few minutes of your time and remembrance this tumultuous month of November...
JOHN ROBERT FOX: The ultimate sacrifice
The 92nd Infantry Division (African American soldiers division) also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, was a division that fought in WW2. First Lieutenant John R. Fox was a member of the 366th Infantry Regiment when he sacrificed his life to defeat an enemy attack and save the lives of others. In December of 1944, Fox was a part of a small party that volunteered to stay behind in the Italian village of Sommocolonia. American forces had been forced to withdraw after that village had been overrun by the Germans. From his position on the second floor of a house, Fox directed defensive fire. German soldiers were attacking, and they greatly outnumbered the small handful of Americans. Fox radioed the artillery to bring its fire closer to his position. As the attack continued, he ordered fire directly onto his own position. The soldier who received the message was stunned, as there was little if any chance that Fox, himself would survive the offensive strike. When he questioned the order, Fox simply replied, "Fire it. That's an order." His sacrifice gained time for the US forces to organize a counterattack and retake the village.
After the war, the Italian citizens of Sommocolonia erected a monument to honor the men killed during the artillery barrage: eight Italian soldiers and the American, Lt. Fox. Fox was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on January 13, 1997.
NANCY GRACE AUGUSTA WAKE: Code Name, "The White Mouse"
Nancy Wake was a British Special Operations Executive agent from Australia during the later part of WW2. She became a leading figure in the maquis groups of the ferocious French Resistance or "Army of the Shadows" that fought against Nazi occupation; she was one of the Allies' most decorated servicewomen. After the fall of France in 1940, she became a courier for the French Resistance and later joined the escape network of Capt. Ian Garrow, helping Allied pilots who were shot down over enemy territory secretly escape through the Pyrenees Mountains from France into Spain, where they could be flown out to rejoin their troops. Just three years later, Wake was on the Gestapo's most wanted list, with a five million franc bounty on her head. On the 29th day of April in 1944, she parachuted into occupied France near Auvergne, becoming a liaison between London and the local maquis group headed by Capt. Henri Tardivat in the Forest of Tronçais. From April 1944 until the liberation of France, her 7,000 Maquisards fought 22,000 German soldiers, causing 1,400 casualties while suffering only 100 among themselves.
Nancy's husband George was tortured to death in 1943 by the Nazi Gestapo for refusing to disclose her whereabouts. Nancy Wake was awarded the George Medal, the US Medal of Freedom, the Médaille de la Résistance, and, three times, the Croix de Guerre.
VASILI ARKHIPOV: The Man who Saved the World
Vice Admiral Vasili Arkhipov was a Soviet Navy officer credited with casting the only vote that prevented a Soviet nuclear strike and all out nuclear was during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Such an attack would have caused a major global thermonuclear response which could have been our WW3, destroying much of the world. As flotilla commander and second in command of the diesel powered submarine B-59, only Arkhipov refused to authorize the captain's use of nuclear torpedoes against the United States Navy, a decision requiring the agreement of all three senior officers aboard.
Apparently, on October 27, 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a group of eleven US Navy destroyers and the aircraft carrier USS Randolph located the B-59 near Cuba. The Americans started dropping signaling depth charges, which are explosives intended to force the sub up to the surface for identification. There had been no contact from Moscow for a number of days, and those on board the Russian sub had no idea whether or not war had broken out. The captain of the submarine, Valentin Grigorievitch Savitsky, decided that a war had probably already started, and wanted to launch a nuclear torpedo. As such a decision required the three top in command to unanimously agree, Arkhipov was the one voice that saved the US Navy and probably, the world that day.
LARRY FROST: Vietnam War Veteran and My Friend
You have all come to know Larry Frost as the author of Conversations in the Asparagus Patch. He is a dear friend of my family and the husband of Sherri Frost, a woman I am proud to call my best friend--literally since birth. Sherri is the type of friend who stands with you through it all in life: the storms and the celebrations. They are an incredible couple of great faith and grace who are truly an inspiration to me each and every day of life.
Larry is a man who has been a great leader in business and his community and a mentor to many over the years. He has shared with us, personally, some of the most remarkable stories I have ever heard from his own war experiences as a Vietnam Veteran. If you are not someone who believes in miracles, you most certainly would change your mind if you heard Larry's stories from Vietnam. Larry doesn't consider himself a hero, but his wife and his friends most certainly do. He is a man who deeply loves his country and would willingly lay down his life for another in a time of great crisis or peril. While very humble when it comes to his own accomplishments, Larry does, however, consider those amazing young men with whom he served as heroes, and probably none more than his best friend, Shelby.
My family had the honor of finding Shelby's name on the traveling Vietnam Memorial
Wall a few years back, and I later had the chance to find it on the real wall in Washington DC in the winter of 2019. I want to share a poem, with Larry's permission, that he wrote for his friend Shelby with all of you. I have included a link to that poem at the bottom for you to read. I think you will learn that Larry has forged an eternal bond with his young friend from so many years ago, and that his very deep and strong faith has seen him through some horrifying tragedies he experienced when serving his country in the United States Army.
War is ugly. It is a monster that steals away the best and brightest and leaves the rest haunted by misery and images too horrible to speak--too ghastly to forget. It represents the very worst human beings can be; that ugly, selfish, hatred that seeks only to avenge, kill, take, and destroy.
But on Veteran's Day, we are not honoring the wars, themselves; we are honoring the heroes that dared to face the plague of battle so that we would not have to. They represent the other side of human beings--the extraordinary and unbreakable spirit that longs for life, beauty, freedom, love and opportunities for happily ever afters. I am going to quote my friend Larry Frost here to sum it up: "Where do we get such men and women? Only a loving God could ensure that in each generation there will be people with this level and courage and strength." Larry also shared with me that Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, in his book On Combat once said, "If we were to go but a single generation without such men and women, we should surely be both damned and doomed."
I look forward to another November someday when I will fly across the Atlantic to London Day; to journey back and see the poppies surrounding
Westminster Abbey; once again to look out across that sea of crosses and red flowers in complete and utter awe at the brave souls that dared to stand up against the evil that threatened the freedom of their time and generation. I am not sure when I will be blessed with that opportunity again, but I know that I will, at that moment, reflect upon the extraordinary: those who were willing to lay down their lives so that I might stand there on a day of rest and relaxation and freely express my gratitude to them. Wherever you are on all of your November 11ths to come, I hope you will take the time out to remember and do the same.
Please watch these two videos (links below) explaining the origin of Veteran's Day and honoring American Veterans. Then, please enjoy the amazing videos that were created on Memorial Day on Omaha Beach in France and the recent 75th Anniversary of D-Day Celebration that occurred in June, 2019. Finally, click on the link to read Larry's tribute to his dear friend Shelby and the baby girl his friend would never meet.
In your blog response, comment on your own reflection. I conclude this very special blog with this, one of my favorite poems. It was brilliantly used by President Ronald Reagan as he stood where I have stood twice before with my family and scholars, on the shores of Normandy in France, honoring the men who stormed those very beaches to liberate France, and Europe in 1944:
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of--wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew--
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
~ John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Every time we visited London with Will Power after that, we would top to visit Westminster Abbey which is located near Big Ben and Parliament. During the entire month of November, surrounding Westminster Abbey, there are small crosses decorated with red poppies with names on them. They fill in the grass all around the large cathedral, each bearing the name of one who was lost.
JOHN ROBERT FOX: The ultimate sacrifice
The 92nd Infantry Division (African American soldiers division) also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, was a division that fought in WW2. First Lieutenant John R. Fox was a member of the 366th Infantry Regiment when he sacrificed his life to defeat an enemy attack and save the lives of others. In December of 1944, Fox was a part of a small party that volunteered to stay behind in the Italian village of Sommocolonia. American forces had been forced to withdraw after that village had been overrun by the Germans. From his position on the second floor of a house, Fox directed defensive fire. German soldiers were attacking, and they greatly outnumbered the small handful of Americans. Fox radioed the artillery to bring its fire closer to his position. As the attack continued, he ordered fire directly onto his own position. The soldier who received the message was stunned, as there was little if any chance that Fox, himself would survive the offensive strike. When he questioned the order, Fox simply replied, "Fire it. That's an order." His sacrifice gained time for the US forces to organize a counterattack and retake the village.
After the war, the Italian citizens of Sommocolonia erected a monument to honor the men killed during the artillery barrage: eight Italian soldiers and the American, Lt. Fox. Fox was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on January 13, 1997.
Nancy Wake was a British Special Operations Executive agent from Australia during the later part of WW2. She became a leading figure in the maquis groups of the ferocious French Resistance or "Army of the Shadows" that fought against Nazi occupation; she was one of the Allies' most decorated servicewomen. After the fall of France in 1940, she became a courier for the French Resistance and later joined the escape network of Capt. Ian Garrow, helping Allied pilots who were shot down over enemy territory secretly escape through the Pyrenees Mountains from France into Spain, where they could be flown out to rejoin their troops. Just three years later, Wake was on the Gestapo's most wanted list, with a five million franc bounty on her head. On the 29th day of April in 1944, she parachuted into occupied France near Auvergne, becoming a liaison between London and the local maquis group headed by Capt. Henri Tardivat in the Forest of Tronçais. From April 1944 until the liberation of France, her 7,000 Maquisards fought 22,000 German soldiers, causing 1,400 casualties while suffering only 100 among themselves.
Nancy's husband George was tortured to death in 1943 by the Nazi Gestapo for refusing to disclose her whereabouts. Nancy Wake was awarded the George Medal, the US Medal of Freedom, the Médaille de la Résistance, and, three times, the Croix de Guerre.
VASILI ARKHIPOV: The Man who Saved the World
Vice Admiral Vasili Arkhipov was a Soviet Navy officer credited with casting the only vote that prevented a Soviet nuclear strike and all out nuclear was during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Such an attack would have caused a major global thermonuclear response which could have been our WW3, destroying much of the world. As flotilla commander and second in command of the diesel powered submarine B-59, only Arkhipov refused to authorize the captain's use of nuclear torpedoes against the United States Navy, a decision requiring the agreement of all three senior officers aboard.
Apparently, on October 27, 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a group of eleven US Navy destroyers and the aircraft carrier USS Randolph located the B-59 near Cuba. The Americans started dropping signaling depth charges, which are explosives intended to force the sub up to the surface for identification. There had been no contact from Moscow for a number of days, and those on board the Russian sub had no idea whether or not war had broken out. The captain of the submarine, Valentin Grigorievitch Savitsky, decided that a war had probably already started, and wanted to launch a nuclear torpedo. As such a decision required the three top in command to unanimously agree, Arkhipov was the one voice that saved the US Navy and probably, the world that day.
You have all come to know Larry Frost as the author of Conversations in the Asparagus Patch. He is a dear friend of my family and the husband of Sherri Frost, a woman I am proud to call my best friend--literally since birth. Sherri is the type of friend who stands with you through it all in life: the storms and the celebrations. They are an incredible couple of great faith and grace who are truly an inspiration to me each and every day of life.
Larry is a man who has been a great leader in business and his community and a mentor to many over the years. He has shared with us, personally, some of the most remarkable stories I have ever heard from his own war experiences as a Vietnam Veteran. If you are not someone who believes in miracles, you most certainly would change your mind if you heard Larry's stories from Vietnam. Larry doesn't consider himself a hero, but his wife and his friends most certainly do. He is a man who deeply loves his country and would willingly lay down his life for another in a time of great crisis or peril. While very humble when it comes to his own accomplishments, Larry does, however, consider those amazing young men with whom he served as heroes, and probably none more than his best friend, Shelby.
My family had the honor of finding Shelby's name on the traveling Vietnam Memorial
War is ugly. It is a monster that steals away the best and brightest and leaves the rest haunted by misery and images too horrible to speak--too ghastly to forget. It represents the very worst human beings can be; that ugly, selfish, hatred that seeks only to avenge, kill, take, and destroy.
I look forward to another November someday when I will fly across the Atlantic to London Day; to journey back and see the poppies surrounding
In your blog response, comment on your own reflection. I conclude this very special blog with this, one of my favorite poems. It was brilliantly used by President Ronald Reagan as he stood where I have stood twice before with my family and scholars, on the shores of Normandy in France, honoring the men who stormed those very beaches to liberate France, and Europe in 1944:
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of--wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew--
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
~ John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Video One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvkrwxsLXAw
Video Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQUxu9uyyBs
Video Three, D-Day Soldier's Memory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdzWRdZgan0
Larry's Poem for Shelby: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WANxIQgDVeliEcjTKKRFpcAVXNAaT8VQ/view?usp=sharing
Veterans day is very important to me because I have been raised in a military family, so I've been surrounded by it my entire life. Seeing the sacrifice that so many of these men and women make, whether they go to war or not, is inspiring and I'm constantly thankful for what they do. I never want to forget what they have done for me. I know all of my privileges are available because these veterans were willing to give their lives for their country. These men willingly went to war knowing death awaited them, but they still did it, and so stopping and honoring them for a day is the least we can do to thank them.
ReplyDeleteI think that Veterans day is a very important holiday. It reminds everyone about the sacrifice our soldiers have made for us. Soldiers have died for us, they have injured themselves for us, they left their families for us, they are the ones that are brave enough to fight for our country. Some members of my family fought for our country because they were brave enough to fight. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to stand up and fight for our country. These men and women are willing to face war and death just to fight for our country. So, I believe that this holiday is very important to remember why these men and women fight for our country and thank them for the amount of bravery they have.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day is a day not often celebrated. I always left myself wondering as to why but I never payed any mind to it. I normally do not even think about the holiday as it's occurring, I just relax all day like you said at the start of this blog post. Maybe next time around I will put some more thought into it.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think I take Veteran's day for granted. The part in the article where it said many people just celebrated because it was a day off of work and school really resonated with me because I feel like I do this and I don't think about how lucky I am to live in a country that is safe because of these amazing veterans. The fact that these men and women sacrificed their lives to keep mine safe is truly special and I am so glad we have a day to celebrate and commemorate them for their amazing sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteI think most people take Veterans take for granted and just see it as a day off work. While it is that, it's also a time to reflect. After reading through the different accounts of veterans, their experiences and loses, it becomes quite clear how the holiday can be deeply intimate to those connected to the military. Even if you don't know anyone in the military I think it's good to take the holiday for what it is, a time to appreciate all those who lost their lives. Read a little about lost heroes or simply take an extra moment of the day to truly stand still and thank them. The lasting pain and grief from the wounds of war aren't something that are so easily understood until experienced first hand but a moment can be taken to listen.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day is something I strongly believe should be celebrated and not taken for granted. Although it is a day of work and school the true meaning behind the day is what is important and what should be celebrated. For me I think it is amazing what these people sacrificed every day just to fight for our country and our freedom. It is extremely powerful and important to show our appreciation for the ones who left their homes, families, and lives to protect us and even put their own lifes at risk.
ReplyDeleteVeterans Day is a big holiday in my family. This is because almost every male and female in my family was in the military. My dad was in the army, my sister was in the navy, and my grandpa was in the air force. There are more members, but the list goes on. When I think of Veterans Day, I think of the whole family gathering together in my old backyard, making BBQs, and playing kickball. The holiday is always fun and filled with celebration and telling memories of the ones we have lost. When reading the stories, the story that inspired me the most was Vasil Arkhipov. This shocked me most and as soon as I had read what he had done, my body got chills. It’s insane to me that one person prevented something that generations later would still be dealing with if it weren’t for this man. A bomb that big we’d still have to deal with and still picking up the pieces of all the land destroyed. It warms me as well, knowing that someone decided to take charge, thankfully.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to celebrate a day such as Veterans Day for me. While some people see it as a chance to celebrate their freedom and their country, all I am reminded of is people being sent to be killed for the purpose of gaining oil, spreading religious beliefs, political beliefs, gaining more land, etc. I feel that everyone should take some time to remember those whose lives were lost, but should be careful with how they "celebrate" the day. I think the amount of respect that London gives their fallen soldiers is incredibly commendable, especially how they don't make it a point to be patriotic during that day. I personally feel that those two ideas should not go hand in hand seeing as the government is the one that put the propaganda out, drafted the teenagers who couldn't vote in the Vietnam War, and continued to advertise citizens' "patriotic duty" to join the military. Ever since I was young, it had always bothered me that people would take the day to have a BBQ with their family and/or friends and have a party while the purpose of the day is to remember those whose lives were sacrificed by the government in vain effort to gain material/sociopolitical value in the world.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI defidently feel that veterans day is somehting thats not taken as seriously as it should be. My grandfather served in the Marines for several years and has lasting trauma from it. Much like him, there are very many veterans out there who suffer from PTSD and because of that I think people need to celebrate them more. In the article it was said that many see Veterans Day as as just a day off, and that makes me very upset. Veterans desperve more recognition than what they get.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day is very important and is often taken for granted. After reading the stories of different veterans, it allowed me to understand the sacrifices they make for us to have our freedom. Some use the holiday as an excuse to host a BBQ or have free time since schools and jobs are closed for the day. However, that mindset needs to change as veterans have placed great things on the line for us to live peacefully. It's very important to showcase our appreciation towards the veterans as a simple act of acknowledgement of what they have done can give a great impact to many lives.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day is a very meaningful holiday, and I feel its significance is not often understood, as many people just see this holiday as just a free day off of school. On this holiday I am reminded of how many friendships and families are separated as a consequence of war. After watching the videos I am reminded that I need to appreciate and be grateful for the veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about all of these war stories. It makes me think of and appreciate more of what all these verterans have done. It reminds me to be more thankful and spend more time on Verterans day appreciating what they have sacrificed for us. The poem that Mrs. Caraway’s friend wrote was extremely sad, and it showed me that people are risking more than their lives. People risk the happiness and loss of family and friends around them which is the biggest risk of all.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's day is an important day that is often tarnished with blow-out furniture sales and other ways to commercialize the holiday. Some of my family members remember especially well their days in the military, and some of the people they lost along the way. Veteran's day comes with a day off from school, but this day should be filled with reflection and remembrance and a reminder that we live our lives every day because some chose or sometimes did choose to give a sacrifice for our country.
ReplyDeleteVeterans' Day has never been explained beyond "It remembers those who died in the military", but it is not just that, it is a reminder that 15-21 million people gave their lives for their countries in the /first/ World War. Then an additional 21-25 million people did the same in the Second World War not to mention Korea, Vietnam, and the other conflicts that the world has been involved in since. The day shouldn't just be a day off of school, as the clock struck 11:11 on that day, I looked towards my neighbour's flag in the minute of silence, and everybody around me had no idea why 11:11 was so significant. Veterans' Day is a day to mourn the millions of people who died; 3% of the world's entire population died in WWII, and all that is said about the day that is set aside to remember them and their sacrifice has always been "It is a day to remember those who died in the military" with no elaboration.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching those emotional youtube videos I feel more respect for veterans. Learning what they experience and how valuable time is to them makes me realize how I need to cherish my time. I am so lucky to be here and I need to use it to appreciate the ones who protect me and spending my time valuably. My family always flies the American flag and we decorate a tree with red white and blue Christmas lights during November. I will start to value my time in honor of them.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day is an important holiday that's often overlooked and has a significance that's constantly misunderstood. On this holiday it's important to take a step back and be grateful for all of the family and friends one has around them, and understand that a lot of people, especially military families, don't have that privilege to be around constant support and guidance. The privilege's that we're open to in our everyday lives don't come as easy to other people. Veteran's constantly put their lives on the line for their country and showcase the bravery and sacrifice it takes to fight for one's country.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day to me is special and important as my dad and brotherr served and were both in the Navy. Taking this day to remember either those we care about who have done us a great service, or to just remember those who sacrificed their lives and put themselves on the line is important. After watching the Youtube videos, they definitely added to the significance of honoring those who have served and continue to serve.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day has always been a special holiday for me since both my grandpas' are veterans. I am grateful for the veterans who fought for us and for the ones who are still fighting for us. After watching these videos, it further deepens my respect and gratitude for these fighters and how resilient they were and are. I am thankful for all soldiers who fought and are stilling fighting today.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day is a special holiday to appreciate and celebrate those who have risk their lives for our safety. My uncle just recently retired from the Coast Guard after serving for years. Because of him, he showed me what true dedication and sacrifice looks like as a Veteran. I am forever grateful for his service, and he is one of the most inspirational individuals in my life. Most people overlook this holiday as insignificant, but it is truly important to show our gratitude for those who protect us. Being in the military is definitely life-threatening, and other citizens must realize the sacrifice that runs deep within a Veteran's life. I am extremely grateful for my freedom and protection.
ReplyDeleteFrom Eddie Aceves, Year 2:
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day is a significant holiday honoring and remembering those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation's freedom. For many years, my uncle was a member of force recon while serving in the marine corps. He demonstrated to me what genuine sacrifice and commitment looks like in a veteran. I will always be appreciative of his service and all the stories he has shared with me about the many adventures he had while on deployment. Veterans Day is largely disregarded in today's culture as being unimportant, however its true purpose is to express appreciation to those who defend us. The military is extremely dangerous, and society does not recognize the sacrifices that our veterans made in order to guarantee our security and freedom. I am appreciative of all of our veterans, as well as of my safety and independence.
The way most Americans spend their Veterans Day in no way honors its significance. It should be a day for rememberance and reflection. Instead, people take it as a day for BBQs or outdoor activities. This has always felt off, unsettling. But I do admire the way London celebrates their heros. They celebrate it with such care and peace that Americans could take note of.
ReplyDeleteMy dad, and many other members of my family, have served in the military so I have always taken time on Veteran’s day to reflect on the sacrifices soldiers make to protect the liberties and rights we have today. My family doesn’t typically celebrate with BBQs or parties, and we normally spend the day talking and listening to stories of my family’s experiences, some of which make us shed a tear or two.
ReplyDeleteThis year, though, veterans day meant something much more to me, as the war in Ukraine fights on. This is the first war I have really been connected to or understood, and it has made me ever more grateful for the people that serve their country.
As mentioned in the post, war brings out the worst in people but it also brings out the best and it is in times of great struggle that we become more unified. Listening to and reading about the stories of veterans created a very emotional response in me and I think it is very important to celebrate the bravery, courage, and strength men and women embody when placed in the most heart-breaking of experiences.
The difference in how veterans are honored between the US and European countries is astounding to me. The stories which were shared made me take a moment to reflect on the past and all veterans have done to help keep us safe. I feel more of the stories need to be shared nationally to help turn Veterans Day into the type of day it should be, one or remembrance.It is important to take time to reflect to show how lucky we are for being able to live in the world we do and pay our respects to those who helped to protect our way of life.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Veteran’s Day provides an opportunity. It is the only day all year that I reach out to those in my family who have served, and thank them for their sacrifice. While it is the only day I say the words “thank you for your service” it is not the only day I am thankful. Most days I think about the conflicts in this world, and the people who are involved in the tragedies. I think about how heartbreaking it is to know that many heroes can’t return back to their families, and I think about how grateful I am that those in my family were able to come home. I would thank those in my family more often, but it always feels out of place. I don’t see them very often, and when I do we typically just catch up. Also, their time serving is a sensitive subject, and I don’t want to remind them of the suffering they endured during their service. There is rarely an opportunity to talk about how grateful I am to them, so I take advantage of the opportunity Veteran’s Day brings every year to express how truly thankful I am.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's day has never been a big thing for my family, which is odd, especially since both of my brothers, my dad, and my uncle all served in the military. I think the largest part of that is that at least my father doesn't consider his work in the Air Force as service, or doesn't consider himself a hero. I think that though he doesn't consider himself a hero, he still regards those in the military with high respect. Honoring those that have served in the military, dead or alive is an absolutely essential thing that we, especially the U.S., need to do. For how high we regard them, it is unfortunate that many of their stories don't get told, those who survive don't get proper care, and that there is not often a good ending back home. I think that needs to change, and we need to put action to our words of praise to those who have served, and respect and mourn those who have died properly.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day is overlooked and underappreciated by many individuals today, including myself. It’s easy to use the holiday as another day off of school or work, but it’s important to reflect on the importance of this holiday and why it exists. Men and women fought bravely for us to sleep peacefully in our beds. They gave up their lives to provide us protection, and I feel like that is significantly overlooked. As someone who didn't grow up around military influence, it's easy to forget the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the value they have in this world. Minot J. Savage once said “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men”, and I feel like we should remember this every day. People must stop acting with injustice and cruelty towards others and our world, and instead, remember what it took for us to reach the point we are at today and come together for a brighter tomorrow with the actions of thousands of heroes guiding us forward.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day has always been a significant and important holiday for my family because I have many family members currently in the military and many who have previously served. Although this day is significant for my family, we don’t do a whole lot the day of to recognize the veterans, normally we will reach out to loved ones involved in the military to thank them for their service. I find it extremely interesting how differently different countries, societies, and places around the world commemorate and celebrate the veterans on Veteran’s day. I think it would be an incredible honor to see the two minutes of silence in London myself, seeing the crosses seems incredibly powerful and sounds like an incredible experience. Many soldiers have sacrificed their lives for our country, one day a year does not exemplify the gratitude the country truly has for our veterans. I think it is important to celebrate the lives of veterans and recognize their sacrifices not only on Veteran’s day but multiple days out of the year.
ReplyDeleteVeteran’s Day is a very important day that is celebrated to honor veterans, but it seems that it is often forgotten by the people. This day is for the people that risk their lives to keep the country safe and for families who have someone out fighting. It is hard for veterans to be away from their families for so long, and it’s tough when you can’t just go see your family member if they’re not home. Watching these videos, I feel that I’ve gained a lot more respect for veterans by learning about all the things that they’re missing out on. They could have been spending time with their family or watching tv, but instead, they are out risking their lives.
ReplyDeleteI think many people take Veteran’s day for granted. It should be celebrated not only because we get a day off to celebrate, but we should really appreciate the day and what it means. I believe that everyone should spend the day reflecting and thinking about those they know who have risked their lives to serve our country. There are many Veterans in my family and they do not take enough credit for the sacrifices and devotion they have to our country and protecting their loved ones. It is important that we focus on celebrating the Veterans and truly appreciate all that they have done.
ReplyDeleteVeteran’s Day has always held great importance in my family. My dad served in the army where he risked his life every day, and my great-grandfather served in the Vietnam War. We always have our flag out for weeks afterward and continue to remember the brave souls that served our country. We view Veteran’s Day as a time to remember those who lost their lives during service, but also any soldiers who survived to tell their stories, and are still with us today. With this, Veteran’s Day is a day of remembrance yet also a time of celebration and thanks for the loved ones who we are blessed to have with us today. Veteran’s Day always reminds me how my dad is still with me and my family, and that circumstance could have been different. It reminds me to be grateful for the people in my life and also thank them for their efforts in their time in service. Having Veterans in my life makes me more appreciative of people who ask for a discount at my job, as it tells me that this person risked their life for me and us, and is here today. So, Veteran’s Day is a day to be humble and thankful, and remember those who are with us, and those who are no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day had never been a big deal to me when I was younger. I never considered the weight of the day, how many individuals have lost their lives to war, and why they should be celebrated. As I have gotten older I’ve come to realize the importance of the day. I have been told stories of individuals in my family who are in branches of the military and veterans. I’ve also been told about family members who did not make it home. It's important to remember them and honor both their sacrifices and honor them as individuals. I believe it is important for everyone to understand the sacrifices being made by these individuals and it is never an easy task. I’ve come to realize not every story is celebrated and shared, however, every individual should at least receive a thank you for their service.
ReplyDeleteVeterans Day is a significant holiday that honors and remembers those who gave their lives to fight for our country's freedom. Veterans Day is an extremely important day that is frequently overlooked and underappreciated, even by myself. This is a dangerous line of work, and society needs to do a better job of recognizing the sacrifices made for our freedom, safety, and independence. On Veterans Day, it is critical to appreciate veterans and recognize our great privilege that we are free and secure to live our lives without fear because they fought for our future. After watching the extremely moving YouTube videos, I have a newfound respect for veterans and everything they do for us. I appreciate every one of them, and I will do much better showing this appreciation next Veterans Day.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, though Veterans' Day stands for something so large, I rarely gave it any thought. I would often see it as a free day of relaxation and fun, but the reading, rather than informs me of its purpose, more just brings it to the center stage, as everyone understands its existence, but seldom appreciate it. The concept of war is somewhat polarizing, a necessary evil at times, which is why I think many tend to actively overlook it as it can often turn morbid, dark, sinister, or just sad. On a free day, not many want to have to spend their luxury being sad, but I do believe that reflection on it is necessary to properly acknowledge the sacrifices of those that were willing to not only allow us a free day, but the rest of our days in a place that we can consistently call a home.
ReplyDeleteRevised due to grammatical errors: Honestly, though Veterans' Day stands for something so large, I rarely gave it any thought. I would often see it as a free day of relaxation and fun, but the reading, rather than informing me of the holiday's purpose, more just brings said purpose to the center stage, as everyone understands why it exists, but we seldom actively appreciate it. the concept of war is somewhat polarizing, as it is a necessary evil at times, which is why I think many tend to purposefully overlook it as it can often turn morbid, dark, sinister, or just sad. On a free day, not many want to have to spend their luxury being sad, upset, or even distraught, but I do believe that reflection on it is necessary to properly acknowledge the sacrifices of those that were willing not only to allow us a free day, but the rest of our days in a place that we can consistently call home as long as their influence still thrives.
DeleteVeterans Day holds great weight and importance and yet I find myself not giving it much thought. Selfishly, since I have no personal connection to the day, I have not recognized and appreciated the sacrifices people have made for our country to the extent it is deserved. After reading this blog, the poems, and watching the videos, I have a new appreciation for Veterans Day as it is a chance to reflect on and acknowledge those heroes who lost so much to give us more. I also feel that Remembrance day in Europe along with its memorial poppies is a great way to show appreciation and honor those who have sacrificed.
ReplyDeleteSarah Emmett, Year 2:
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day has always had a deep meaning for my family because of how many people served in the military we know and are related to. My grandfather and father served in the air force, a close family friend served as a marine, and my uncle, who past away a few years ago, served in Afghanistan. My family and I choose to celebrate Veteran's Day each year by going to the cemetery with flowers and then we put one flower on each military grave. Afterward, we go out and volunteer at a food bank. We believe that not only is Veteran's Day a day to celebrate those who volunteer and serve our country but to give back and help others. It is important to give back so that everyone can help our nation.
Noelani Pacheco, Year 1:
ReplyDeleteVeterans Day is a meaningful holiday it signifies the sacrifices numerous veterans make and continue to make for our country. It celebrates the various stories of various veterans. My Tata, Tio, and various cousins have served in the military. Some are still actively deployed in Germany. Veterans day offers me the opportunity to honor my family members who have sacrificed a lot for the betterment of the nation.
After reading the various stories I have understood the various ideologies that are portrayed within this particular holiday. This is shown in various ways in particular in the poem written by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. which states “ Up, up the long, delirious biting blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew— And, while with silent, lifting kind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. “( John Gillespie Magee, Jr) When he states delirious biting blue, in this term the word delirious represents extremely happy or excited, the color blue is associated with freedom, trust, and loyalty. He states he fights for the freedom of the nations due to the loyalty he possesses. He uses the symbol of the eagle which represented honesty and truth. By using various components that are associated with the freedom it allows the depiction of the author's ideology and views on the importance of freedom. The poem conveys the idea that people who serve in the military give up there their happiness for the betterment of the country based on their ideology and morals associated with freedom conveyed by the various references to the importance of freedom.
What a new meaning Veteran's day has to me. Veteran's have always been special to me, especially those in my immediate family, but it always lacked the fan-fare. It was a day off and a day to go see a movie, have family visit, and to rest. I think that we're not wrong to do those things, but we need to think about why we have the privilege to do so. Our country's heroes dedicated their lives so that we could remain free. They gave us the right. I loved learning about how they remember the troops in England because it seems right that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we can stop to remember the sacrifices made and the lives lost.
ReplyDeleteI loved the story of SGT Ray Lambert because it represents the true selflessness of our troops to sacrifice so much for us. His prayer to just help save one more person despite his injuries was so exemplary of the sacrifices that they made to end the war.
Veteran’s day is a holiday that I hold so much respect for. I have family friends that have served in the past and have been told many stories. After reading more stories about the veterans and watching these videos, my respect for them only grows. It breaks my heart to hear about the families, friendships, and relationships that have been affected because yes, these men and women have fought to keep us safe, free, and protected, but they sacrificed so much. This day should be recognized more for what it is, to remember, recognize, and honor the sacrifice these veterans made for where we are today and where we will be in the future.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day is an underrated holiday for such petty reasons. Many people may not like our government, policies or the fights we pick but the people on the ground fighting don't have to be the ones treated like trash because of it. They should be given the upmost respect for fighting for the country they call home and defending citizens against pain and suffering. This should be a world wide holiday, something initiated and supported by the UN because no matter where you are in the world, veterans deserve recognition. I have had some older family members as veterans in the Mexican army and police force. My tata was apart of the secret service force in Mexico for the President and that in itself is commendable.
ReplyDeleteI think Veteran's Day is far too overlooked by the United States. Though unintentionally, I am also guilty of this. I do not have any family members that have served in the military, so it has never been a large part of my life. However, I believe that our veterans need to be appreciated. They are the ones who fight for the rights and freedoms that we currently have. I think people too often associate veterans with decisions made by the government. They are not the ones who authorize huge decisions, they simply carry out tasks that are asked of them. Regardless of whether or not one supports the government, I think they should still respect veterans because they sacrifice a lot for our freedoms. Going forward, I wish to learn more about veterans and their contributions to society. I think I have overlooked Veteran's Day without truly considering the purpose behind it.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's day is a holiday I am most definitely guilty of overlooking. A large amount of my family has served or is planning to serve, but not even they make a big deal of it. They all treat it as a day off. The sacrifice of veterans is immense, I can't even begin to fathom being willing to sacrifice that much for my country. They deserve much more respect than they are given. I always make a note to say thank you to veterans or people in active service when I notice them, but sometimes I feel like I don't really know what I'm thanking them for. I'll remember in the future that I am thanking them for their sacrificed time and freedom in order to keep us free. I appreciate them greatly for what they have done.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought it strange that Veterans Day is so underappreciated. For instance, I was confused when my mother told me she would get the day off work on the 11ht. It's sad that such a significant holiday doesn't receive the respect it deserves. Unlike the people who bravely sacrificed their lives for us to live comfortably and enjoy on important days like these, many people like myself utterly dismiss and forget about it. I had no idea that other nations celebrate their soldiers more admirably than we do, and I think we should start doing the same
ReplyDeleteVeteran’s Day is definitely overlooked and not appreciated as much as it should, although I am guilty of this. I typically spend my day nonchalantly, as my family doesn’t do anything to celebrate or anything. The one time I took advantage was back in 5th grade when I was given the opportunity to write about Veterans Day and its importance to me for a contest, or at least a topic around these lines, in which I talked about my great-grandfather who served in World War II, which I had learned about that year. Through the essay I was able to honor his memory and although I didn’t place, I enjoyed writing it and learning this new detail about him, as he had never shared it with me during my visits with him when I was younger, though I wished that I could have learned more about that from him. The day is important and showcases appreciation for those who have fought for our country and sacrificed and put themselves at risk and I appreciate them for everything they go or went through.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not come from a family with an extensive military background, I have always held respect for those who have served and mourning in my heart for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Veteran’s Day, though constantly diminished in importance within the United States, is one of the most significant days around the world. When tracing Veteran’s Day back to its origin in 1918 as Armistice Day, we can see that it was first created to celebrate the end of World War I. This was the day that we maintained our freedom and that those serving gained their freedom from the horrors of war. We see this idea again in other events of major international conflict. The physical, mental, and emotional strain of this fighting is something that I don’t believe anyone can genuinely understand without being in the military. I am grateful for service members and their families and friends who supported them through the pain.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, we must acknowledge and commemorate those who did not live to see the end of the wars they fought in. These individuals will never know how impactful their sacrifice was. Many families have been broken, losing an essential member. This is something else that I will never be able to understand in light of the complexity surrounding it. May these individuals rest peacefully.
My heart is with those currently serving, those who have served, and all military families in these times.
That is lovely. Thank you!
DeleteAlthough a portion of my family has served in the military, I often regard Veterans Day as another day off. Watching these videos reminds me of the importance of honoring the fallen heroes who gave their lives for our country. The significance of Veterans Day is astronomical but often forgotten. It fills me with gratitude and pride to honor the American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect not only the American people but to defend an ideology that above all values freedom and equality for all. Going forward I plan to learn more about veterans day and I plan to spend more time honoring America’s heroes.
ReplyDeleteDanielle Young: veterans day is definitely overlooked. Not everyone is affected by war, and i believe people still appreciate our veterans but there isn't nearly the same culture around the holiday as 9/11, Christmas, or halloween. My father and his father both served in the military, I do appreciate what they have done for my family and my country but i don't say it as often as I should. But I am nonetheless grateful for all veterans, especially the ones who have sacrificed the most.
ReplyDeleteI never really celebrated Veterans Day, mostly just taking it as a day off. My grandfather had a military funeral when he died, but Inever really thought much more than "aw, someone died, that's pretty sad" even as my mom and her sister started to get emotional. I never really knew him, so I have no real personal or emotional connection to the idea of people going to war and sacrificing themselves for the sake of our freedom. These veterans had families too before they went to war, and they either died or were forever traumatized by the violence the are exposed to. Realizing this now, it feels like maybe pushing this to the side was a bit insensitive, and I should be grateful for the price the veterans psid in order for the world to be like it is today.
ReplyDeleteI always feel that Veterans day is overlooked compared to other national holidays. It should be a day to remember and pay respect to all of those who served and are currently serving in our nation's armed forces. I think that a lot of people, including me some years, don't take the proper time to thank those who fought for this country; the people who fought for our continued freedom. For most of my life I have just considered it another day off, and a reason to not be in school. As I get older and learn more about what veterans do for our nation I find that I pay the day more respect when it comes around each year. I think that everyone should take a moment on veterans day to look at what they have and what they can do, because a lot of those things were fought for by our nations veterans. If everyone did this I think we would all have a better appreciation for what we have, and those veterans who helped us keep it.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself to be quite knowledgeable when it comes to the veterans who have fought in these wars , such as Audie L Murphy and Marina Roskova in WWI and II. However, I'm only familiar with two of the people on the list. This post has made me more grateful for the things they've done for us and what we've been granted through their sacrifice and service. Lt. Fox's story is very powerful and though I've heard stories alike, it still just as heartbreaking to hear more. Cheif clerk William Lovett had a similar situation when the Mont Blanc and Imo blew up, and each time i hear another story about Flanders fields or the mont blanc, it makes me all the more humbled and appreciative of the life I've been given.
ReplyDeleteHolidays like Veterans Day get lost to time and the majority never think to remember the true meaning of the holiday. I am in no way able to be a source on Veteran's Day and all the suffering that they have gone through, but I feel I can somewhat of a connection because even though I am not directly connected I can still feel some empathy for the families that lost many in all the wars that happened over the many years. I believe that now more than ever we should be honoring our veterans because many don't get the recognition and honor that they deserve for their bravery and isn't given by the people in the country that they serve. Many people risk their lives for the protection of this country, and they don't get and get enough credit for their outstanding service.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice having a day where you can look back and appreciate the things in your life. I am grateful for all how have served and are serving, helping us to live in a democracy and have a say as to what happens in our lives. I can't imagine worrying on weather a family member of mines was going to be home to eat dinner or wondering if they are doing ok.
ReplyDeleteI think that Veterans day is an underappreciated holiday. It is important to remember the sacrifices that were made by veterans and what they do for us. It should be seen as more than just a day off of work or school and I think that is something that I need to improve on as well. Hearing the individual stories helps to put into perspective what they do and the kinds of people that they are. These veterans show some of the best character and bravery of any people and need to be recognized and remembered.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, Veteran's day was never something I paid attention to; it was just another day off from school or work. When my mom married a marine who became my stepdad, I started to pay more attention and reflect on this day. I was able to see the effects going to war had on a person even if the effects were easily overlooked. Knowing him has brought me to better appreciate Veterans as well as recognize the sacrifice many service members have had to make. I am glad there is a day where we honor our veterans. Thanks to them I am able to live freely and worry about simpler things.
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting how it is a tradition in Europe to stand in silence for a few minutes on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of November, and how united everyone is in honoring their veterans. A few years ago I visited London when I traveled with Willpower to watch my sister Julia travel when performing A Midsummer Night, and since it was November I was able to see the thousands of red poppies flooding Westminister Abbey. I didn't realize until recently when I had a layover in London over my Thanksgiving break (also in November) that each one of those poppies represented a fallen soldier, and every person wearing a red poppy on their clothes was honoring those veterans. Being able to witness the amount of pride the Londoners expressed for their veterans was heartwarming and I hope I can visit London again in November to see the grasses filled with poppies.
ReplyDeleteSince my family has no veterans, I did not grow up with any veteran traditions on Veteran's Day. I do however hold a high level of respect for people that risk their lives in the hopes to improve the quality of life for others. Some people that are in the military serve not only for themselves but also because of a sense of pride, and to protect the people that they love in the country. I can see the value of a human life and know that each person in the military and a fallen soldier died for a cause they believed in and their sacrifices helped others.
ReplyDeleteI think that Veteran's day is a very important holiday because there have been many threats to our nation and many brave men and women have risked and even lost their lives to protect us. My grandfather served in the Army and I respect him joining to serve his country, only being 17 at the time of his enlistment. I am 17 right now and I could not imagine making such a large sacrifice at a such a young age and yet he did. My grandfather and many other veterans like him are truly heroes and deserve recognition because of the sacrifices they made for their country.
ReplyDeleteThroughout my life I never truly celebrated veterans day. However, my would always tell me about he stories of my family members who had past served. So, although I was not directly celebrating Veterans Day, I still had taken into account of what they had done to serve my country and keep up safe every day. I could only imagine knowing you are sacrificing your life everyday, but at the end of the day I beleive it is worth because I would know that I would be keeping my family safe.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the military, I was always aware of Veteran's day although it took me until a few years ago to fully comprehend the depth and significance of the day. War veterans deserve so much honor because they made a huge sacrifice and statement, that they were willing to sacrifice their lives for their loved ones and for their country. Veterans like my Dad deserve to be honored for their commitment to an unpredictable, constantly moving job for the sake of their country. In my family, we don't typically do anything special to celebrate the day, but I like to reflect on the significance of the sacrifices that veterans make four our country. I enjoyed the different perspectives from the videos on different ways of celebrating and remembering veterans, which gave me something new to think about this year.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day never had much significance in my life, as my family is not apart of the military, nor have I heard stories of war veterans about my family in my life. It was not until I got older, that I was able to appreciate all that War Veterans do for us. If it weren't for veterans I don't think that a lot of us would have the luxuries we do now, such as being able to use our phones, or even go to school. I think that even if you don't know someone personally who is a veteran, you still need to take a moment of your day to stop, think, and appreciate all they have done, because their sacrifice have made a huge impact on my life and my freedom. Although I don't typically do anything for veterans day, I will make sure I spend each veterans day from here on out, thinking about all that has been sacrificed so that I could be safe and here today.
ReplyDeleteVeterans day is often taken for granted and not celebrated enough. I think it's important for society to look back on how our country formed to be what it is today and the people that risked their lives to make that happen. My grandfather was part of the army and the stories he told me helped me understand and respect everyone within the military and made me realize they should be honored and celebrated more often. A lot of soldiers risk their lives for this country at a very young age which is why days like veterans day are so important and should be taken more seriously.
ReplyDeleteI have had many family members including my Papa and Uncle, serve in the military and Navy. Because of this, I have always had a special place in my heart for veterans day. My Papa was a really good mechanic during the Vietnam War and worked on many ships for the Navy, fixing lots of different things including the ship itself, the aircrafts, and lots of devices used on the ship. I think often times, a lot of people (including myself) don't truly appreciate Veterans Day for what it really is. It is supposed to be a day to honor and recognize all the people who have served and dedicated so much time for our country. We can often times just look at it as a holiday or a day off from school or work, but we really should be using it as a day to thank our veterans and pay our respects to them.
ReplyDeleteVeteran's Day, to me, is a time for us to remember and pay tribute to the selfless sacrifices made by our brave men and women in the armed forces. It's also a time for us to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Veteran’s day has been a day that my family and I have celebrated occasionally. Especially because we have had several members in our family who have enlisted and served our country in the armed forces. However, as time has passed, our veteran family members have now passed away. Despite those losses, it’s still a time that I celebrate and will never take for granted. I have a huge amount of respect for my veteran family members as well as all other veterans. I see Veteran’s day as more than just a day off from school and work. I see it as a day to pay my respects to those who had served to provide all that we have to be grateful for in this country. I value being able to rest easier at night, love without condition, knowing that this country I call home has people it refers to as veterans.
ReplyDeletePersonally, Veteran’s Day has always held a special place in heart, not only because of my family that has served but also because I was raised to love and honor the country I live in (note that this doesn’t necessarily mean agree with everything that happens within it) and perhaps most importantly, to recognize and respect all of the men and women who quite literally put their lives on the line to achieve all of the things we get to enjoy in America today. As I’ve grown older, I have realized that our veterans are often overlooked and thrown aside. How many times have you seen a veteran struggling on the street? I found it awful that we as a society so often overlook our national heroes who often return from war as a shell of who they used to be. I believe there should be more resources available for struggling veterans that provide them with the medical, physical, and mental help many of them need. Overall, I think younger generations as well as older ones, need to be taught and reminded of their rights and privileges and where they came from to restore a little more respect and gratitude for veterans across our nation.
ReplyDeleteI think veterans day is severely underrated because it's meant for society as a whole to be thankful and reflect on what many have sacrificed to provide for our families and country as a whole. It's also important to remember what has been given and to thank members currently in service or have served.
ReplyDeleteToy Landers
ReplyDeleteI think Veterans Day is a very important Holiday and should be dedicated to remembering and honoring the heroes that have died so that we can do the things we love. I think people often don't show enough respect for the flag, what it represents, and the people who have died to protect it. I think people often take their freedoms for granted and forget that their rights came at a cost. I loved how much the father in the second video valued his country and the History that has molded our nation. I loved that he referred to all the gravestones and the active military personnel as heroes. Most of all I love that he attempted to teach his son about the importance of honoring heroes, respecting the US as a country, and understanding the history of the nation. I believe it is our responsibility as US citizens to teach our young children about the importance of the unique history of our country, encourage them to respect the flag, remember the significant historical events, and continue to honor the lost heroes. The quote “courage is fear that has said its prayers” from the poem really stood out to me. I believe that faith can and will often determine the outcome of a scenario. Similar to how Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right." I believe that terrible events like 9-11 and Pearl Harbor were horrific and damaged our Country. But I also believe that the United States of America is now stronger and more united because of these events. Though many lives have been lost, none of them were in vain. Though they are gone they will never be forgotten.
Veterans day is special to me because, as a child of two people who were in the Air Force for a combined 40 years, I feel proud of my parents and the country I live in. I also feel very grateful for the sacrifice that so many people have made for my country, and am equally grateful that my parents did not have to be the ones to make this sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what was said in the blog post, Veterans Day is usually associated with a break rather than a day of remembrance. My family stems from a long line of veterans and siblings who are currently serving. I believe many people including myself take war heroes for granted. Our country as a whole doesn't come close to European traditions and it shows in how many people don't appreciate the holiday.
ReplyDelete