Thank You, All Who Have Served Our Country

The Veterans Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, went as most celebrations do: there was food, drinks and mingling. The event started at 12 p.m. in the North Mall meeting room and lasted several hours. Veterans from PVCC and veterans from the community attended. Jason Corral, the local director for Concerned Vets For America (CVA), gave a speech on being a veteran and what it means to be a veteran integrated into the community.

After the speech, the veterans were able to walk around, meet other veterans and learn about upcoming events and opportunities in the community and through PVCC.

Nate Thomas, the president of the Veterans Club, feels this interaction with other veterans is the most important part of Veterans Day. “Everybody on Veterans Day says thank you for serving, but the ability to sit down with someone and share each other’s stories allows you to really connect with someone and makes the whole day much more personable,” he said.

After the food trays are empty and the drinks are dry, what is a veterans celebration all about? Throughout the year, holidays come and go. They have names such as Labor Day, Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but do people really understand what they are honoring? When thinking of Memorial Day, spring weather, grills and entertainment are what usually come to mind, because that’s what it represents culturally for our society.

It is imperative to take a step back and realize Memorial Day is dedicated to those men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to the country. While the traditions of picnicking, enjoying friends and family are important, it is equally important to take a moment to recognize why that day is special. Veterans Day falls into a very similar category.

In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice came into effect between the Allied nations and Germany, officially ending World War I. It is for that reason we celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11th: it marks the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts in world history.

Unlike Memorial Day, on Veterans Day, people have an opportunity to thank those in person who have served. These men and women have made incredible sacrifices, but thankfully they were able to come home.

Not only does Nov. 11 mark a day where citizens can thank and honor veterans, it is also a day that other veterans can spend time with each other.

Patrick Fritz, the president of Phi Theta Kappa, a PVCC student and a veteran, thinks that to be with other veterans is much like being with family. There is a certain level of understanding that is expressed without words; it is felt.

The movement behind these holidays must never be forgotten. To lose their purpose in a sea of hot dogs, hamburgers and warm weather does these men and women a disservice.

The next time Veterans Day comes around, remember there is much more to be grateful for. Whether it is a handshake or a hug, Nov. 11 is an opportunity to look a veteran in the eyes and say thank you—thank you for everything you have done for me and my country.