Just a few days ago, Ms. Hurt reminded my class that Veteran’s Day was fast approaching.  So that same day I went home and asked my father, who recently retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force this past June after 20 years of active duty service, about the significance of the day.

“When is Veteran’s Day?”, I asked my father.  “The eleventh.  It’s always the eleventh. ‘The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,”‘.  If you have taken U.S. History, you would know that he was referencing the ending of World War I.  The first World War marked the beginning of a new era of destruction and featured the deadliest, most developed instruments of war.  Hundreds of thousands of American soldiers perished in battle, but hundreds of thousands of troops also survived and returned home to the United States.

Twenty years after the end of World War I in 1938, Armistice Day was created to honor all the military personnel.  Now that day is known as Veteran’s Day (not to be confused with Memorial Day which remembers fallen soldiers).  These two days recognize the importance and sacrifice of those whom have served.

For some U.S. citizens though, the other 363 days of the year are not pertinent to our military.  In school, several students ignore the Pledge of Allegiance, moment of silence, or both.  They fail to realize the reason high schools everyday recite the Pledge and hold a moment of silence and even mock the processions;  this daily service is practiced to remind the Academic Magnet community of the difficulties soldiers face in order to protect our country.

For a few seconds everyday and on both Veteran’s and Memorial Day, take some time to reflect on the hardships troops undergo in the military– that is in fact why these traditions exist, so that civilians can recognize everything our military has done in order to protect America.

When people join the military, understand that they are willing to give their lives for the freedom of the United States.  Next time there is a day commemorating veterans or a simple moment of silence, respect the suffering soldiers have endured for America.

And don’t forget: Thank a veteran.  Today, on Veteran’s day, in church… you have no idea how much of an impact it makes in their lives.