Veteran's Day

Not Just Another Day Off...

Written and read in the 7th grade for an American Legion Post meeting in 2001- edited in 2006

         What is Veteran’s Day? Sure, everyone knows Veteran’s Day is a day some people get off from work, and some kids get off from school. But it's more than just another day off. It’s more than a break from our normal, hectic lives. The real reason for this patriotic holiday lies in the roots of history, during wars of all kinds.

         Veteran’s Day is a day where we take the time to honor those who were lost, but also those who survived. Many young men enlisted in different wars, not knowing what to expect. They ignored what previous veterans had told them about the terrors of war. They dived in headfirst, eager to become a hero and help their country.

         But the excitement only lasted a short while. The young men were astounded at what they found. Nothing good came out of war. It was only violence and hate, accented by dying men, young and old, sometimes people the men knew. Fathers, brothers, uncles, sons - and women, too. They were shocked that war could be so painful and heartless. No one really wanted to fight, but they kept on going. The lives of their families, their country - everything - was at stake. They gave up everything to make - and keep - America a free country, and help other countries earn their independence, too.

         However, the men were forever changed after war. The ones who died fighting for their country were mourned. But what about the soldiers who remained? The sights they had seen, the sounds they had heard, and the odors they had smelled were too powerful and painful to be forgotten. Not many think of these men, the ones that were forced by brutal reality to go back to their everyday lives like nothing had happened. They carried with them terrible memories, ones that could not be erased. They sacrificed their innocence, and would never look at life the same way again.

         Because these brave men and women risked their lives for us many times, we are speaking English and we have American customs. We could be speaking and writing in German, Jews could be wiped off the face of the Earth completely, or we could be ruled by a Communist government. Sure, we still have diversity. Lots of it! After all, we are known as the 'Melting Pot'. But we aren't forced to be something we're not. We're allowed to create ourselves, to have our own opinions, and voice them without fear- within reason.

         Because of the courage of our veterans, we are who and where we are today.

         Veteran’s Day is a day to take time off and reflect on who we are, and why we are American. Even if you are at work, on days we honor those who fought in different wars, please say a prayer or a silent thank-you to all those who risked their lives for us.

         This is a message to all veterans: Your courage and your determination will be remembered forever, never forgotten, and you will always be honored.

Thank you!