Elmer Davis once said, “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” This means that the only way the United States of America can continue to be a free country is if brave men and women keep fighting for our freedom. Without our past, present, and future veterans, America would not even be close to what it is today. American veterans are the people who allow us to live the lives each and every one of us do.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors all men and women who have served for the US military. People go to events and ceremonies to celebrate all of these people who have given their time for our freedom. Veterans Day is important because it shows our veterans that we care about them and know how they have helped our country.
Everybody should thank a veteran for the freedoms they have provided us with. I’m sure everyone knows a veteran whether it is a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend. I would like to thank my grandpa, Tookie Hoyer who served during World War II, as well as my dad, my brother, my uncles, and my cousins for serving in the US military during various times. It’s important to show them how much you appreciate their service by doing something as simple as literally thanking them. This would make anyone proud to have served our country. Thanking an American Veteran is a big part of the holiday, but we also need to remember why we’re thanking them.
It’s impossible to fully comprehend what these people went through before, during, and after they served regardless of when or where. Imagine leaving your family to go to a place you’ve never gone to before. You would be scared anyways without the possible threat of death if you made the wrong move.
What if you witnessed one of your friends dying on the battle field, inches away from you, and you wouldn’t be able to do much because their injuries were too serious. How would you react, what would you think? If you were injured while serving, how would that affect your life? When and if you returned home, what if you were faced with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety? What would you do? What would your family do? These are a few of the problems veterans who return home face.
Veterans go through all of these things just for our safety and freedom as American citizens. We as a country and community need to continue to remember what our Veterans have done for us. Even though most of us haven’t witnessed the work veterans have done for us first hand, it directly affects us. We need to continue to support the work of military personnel. It is important for us to tell young children about Veterans Day so it is remembered.
Veterans Day is important because it celebrates what American Veterans have done for the United States. We need these brave men and women, or we wouldn’t have as many privileges here. Thanking a Veteran is a great way to show them how much you care and appreciate what they have fought for.
