Veterans Day is a federal holiday, and has been celebrated as such since its legislation by the United States Congress in 1954. 

Originally deemed the name Armistice Day, the holiday is a day in which Americans across the country can express their gratitude for all of the honorable soldiers who have served in the many wars the United States Armed Forces have been involved in over the years. 

It is because of the heroism these brave men and women have displayed that we as Americans are able to possess so many freedoms.

When the holiday was originally created as Armistice Day, it was celebrated to mark the end of World War I, or “the war to end all wars.” However, a multitude of conflicts, including World War II and the Vietnam War, have made it quite plain that this war most definitely did not end all wars. 

Even still, Americans all over the nation observe Veterans Day on the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” the very same hour, day, and month the armistice was signed to officially end World War I.

Nowadays, there are many ways, both simple and extravagant, that we as Americans can honor our courageous men and women of the United States military. 

A handful of these acts of recognition for our veterans could include, but are not limited to, a more monumental deed such as visiting a nearby veterans hospital or organizing or attending a Veterans Day program.

Alternatively, one could express their gratitude in a slightly more minuscule, yet still very effective, gesture of kindness such as writing a card of thankfulness to a veteran in your life, appreciating them and their services to our country.

When visiting a veterans hospital or assisted living facility in which veterans reside, one has the opportunity to connect and communicate with veterans that have been either injured or are rather elderly. By giving some of these individuals a chance to share their captivating stories of their time in the Armed Forces is sure to uplift them this Veterans Day. Bringing the veteran, or veterans, flowers or a small gift could also elevate their spirits.

Many cities across the United States hold ceremonies or programs to remember our veterans on Nov. 11 each year. Here at Coffee County Central High School, we humbly celebrate our country’s veterans with an annual Veterans Day Program. 

During the program, the JROTC engages in a quiet and reverent ceremony, and both the CCCHS band and Show Choir participate by playing and singing songs related to the event. Also, guest speakers, who once served in the United States Armed Forces, attend and address students, teachers, and administrators with speeches recounting events that occurred during their service to our country. 

Programs such as this one are wonderful ways for students, as well as adults, to remember our veterans and learn from their experiences.

Though it seems to be a rather small gesture, writing a kind, magnanimous letter or card for a veteran that you know personally could brighten their day tremendously. 

For a relative or close friend that once served in the United States Armed Forces to receive even a small note or “Thank you for your service!” text message from a person they sincerely care about on a day such as Veterans Day, could mean the world to them. It is incredibly important that our veterans, especially those who play vital roles in our personal lives, receive the appreciation, acknowledgement, and reverence they deserve this Veterans Day.

By listening to and reading about the experiences of these strong, valiant souls, we can all gain an improved understanding and more sincere respect for the trials and hardships veterans have endured when protecting our country and our freedoms.