Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2020. It is a federal holiday to honor and celebrate people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In other countries it is called Armistice Day or Remembrance Day to mark the anniversary of World War I. The date of Veterans Day comes from the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month when it marked the end of World War I. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, but Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Some people think Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the veterans living, but it is a day to celebrate all living and dead veterans who have served. In the US there are 18.2 million living Veterans who have served during at least one war as of 2018. 

At Greenwood we have a few veterans and LtCol Larson said, “For me personally, as a retired Marine, Veterans Day is a time to reflect back on my career in the Marine Corps and the amazing people and experiences I had during my years of active duty service.  More importantly, I think about those who have gone before me and their service to our great country, its people and our way of life.  As a Marine and now a Veteran, I have a unique insight into what Veterans have gone through during and after military service, how we think, what concerns us and where we are as a country in relation to our duty as protectors of the Constitution.  Every Veteran has sworn an oath to protect and defend the Constitution.  The oath is for life.  Additionally, the first article of our Code of Conduct reads, “I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.  I am prepared to give my life in their defense.”  A military serviceman holds these ideals deeply in his soul and never really lets go of them.  Retirement, the rigor of time or sickness does not deaden a Veterans’ longing to hold high the banner of freedom and to protect it with all his might, even to his last breath.  It is a great honor and calling.  I marvel at the old, white haired warriors who even in their elderly state inspire the following generations to greatness.  The sacrifices of these heroes must always be remembered.”

My grandpa is a Veteran and I am going to honor him this Veterans Day by emailing him and thanking him for the work he did for us. I think it is really important to show the Veterans that we care because they take their time and life and give it to fighting for their country. LtCol Larson supervises the Veterans Day program at Greenwood, which is always a grand presentation to him.  He said, “We try to give the students and staff a view into the sacrifice and challenge of military service while honoring the Veterans who participate.  Those Veterans that do come to our program are always deeply touched with the students, band, JROTC and really the entire ceremony.” Then later in the day he goes out to dinner with his wife and family and he gets in touch with those he’s served with in the Corps.