Remembering the Veterans

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Written by Kimm Johnson, Staff Writer

On November 11^th, the United States celebrates a holiday, fairly unknown to students : Veterans Day. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day honors every person, alive or dead, that served during a war. Many grandparents or parents of students that have served in the various wars, find ways to celebrate their appreciation of veterans with their families.

“My dad went into the military after high school to serve his country,” junior Gilbert Garcia said, “My family will typically go to a VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post and see what the veterans have to say. I usually just listen to the stories of veterans and stuff like that.”

Even though freshman Torrance Adams may not have family in the military, he still appreciates the people who have served the United States. Through the JROTC program, he and other cadets will march in a Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11^th . They will also have a Flag Burning Ceremony after school on that day.

“If someone burns a flag because it is old or ripped, they are discarding it honorably. By burning the flags and retiring the flags we are respecting the time period the veterans served, ” Torrance said. “Veterans Day is very important because we are honoring all the troops that have served our country. ”

It does not matter if you are for war, against war, or anything in between. Our veterans deserve to be acknowledged for everything they and their families gave up. They protected us and our rights, and for that they should be celebrated, and treated with nothing but respect.

“Today’s generation does not realize that freedom is not free,” Art teacher, John Stimmel said.“I have a deep sense of admiration for our veterans. Those men and women out their lives in harm’s way so that we can live free lives. For their contribution, I am eternally grateful.”