Editor's Note: Montrose 10th grader Maevis Fahey, president of our Soldier Support Club, offers this reflection about the Veterans Day holiday.
When you hear the words “day off,” the first things that come to mind are probably relief, sleep, and time to push off all of your usual Monday morning obligations. A day off is a perfect time to take a break from any stress you may have and relax.
But this Monday is not one of those days. School is cancelled this Monday because yesterday was November 11, 2018. This marks one hundred years since the end of World War I. Every year since, the United States has recognized November 11 as a day of gratitude for all American veterans.
The date started as “Armistice Day” in 1919. It was renamed “Veterans Day” by former president Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.
This weekend, it is the duty of each of us to follow through with the historical American tradition to thank our veterans for their services. Many of those veterans have sacrificed spending holidays with their families, watching their children grow everyday, and the thought of a “day off” -- all for the sake of our safety. Some were never able to return home to their families at all.
Veterans Day is not a memorial day for taking a break or feeling unmotivated. Veterans Day is a time to remember the courageous acts of our nation’s soldiers, past and present. There are countless ways to help support the military and veterans in your area, especially in honor of November 11.
At Montrose, our Soldier Support Club writes colorful cards once a month to send to soldiers in Afghanistan. The Soldier Support club is one of hundreds of student organizations across the country that strive to make a difference in a local community to support our military.
Also, in any given city, there are countless nonprofit organizations that support veterans young and old. Some in the Boston area include Project New Hope, the New England Center and Home for Veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Home Base. These nonprofits could use not only financial support, but your volunteer time. Opportunities to help veterans through organizations in your area are yours for the taking.
Attending local memorial ceremonies is another way to support your town’s veterans. Many cities and towns offer a ceremony or parade in honor of Veterans Day weekend. This is a perfect opportunity to get to know your community and those in your area who have served.
You can also give prayer intentions or offer up your work in the name of veterans. If you know a veteran, be sure to thank them for their services today, and say a prayer for them.
With an exciting election occurring this past Tuesday, and Veteran’s Day occurring this weekend, there is no time like the present to remember our veterans. It is so easy to take for granted the sacrifices they have offered for our sake. November 11 is a day for each of us to reflect and offer our work in gratitude for the nation we live in, just as American soldiers do everyday. This should always be the message that comes to mind when we hear the words, “Veterans Day.”