Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a solemn day of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. It is a day to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military, those who have answered the call to serve and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms that define this country.
Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on November 11, 1919, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. The war to end all wars, it was hoped, would usher in a new era of peace. But as history unfolded, wars continued, and the need for brave men and women to protect the nation never ceased. Over time, the day evolved to honor all veterans—those who served in wartime and peacetime alike. For many Americans, Veterans Day is a reminder of the profound cost of freedom. It’s a day to think not just about the soldiers who made it home, but those who didn’t. Those whose lives were irrevocably changed by the wars they fought in, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Veterans Day is not just a celebration of their service, but also an acknowledgment of the toll it takes. The invisible wounds of war—the scars that can’t be seen but are carried deep inside—show the legacy of their service.
This day brings us together as a nation to pause, remember, and say “thank you” to those who have given so much. For some veterans, those two words are a balm that heals those wounds, if only for a moment. For others, it is a bittersweet reminder of the comrades lost and the battles that never truly end. But for all, it is a chance to feel recognized and valued. Veterans Day is also an opportunity for Americans to reflect on what it means to be a citizen of this country. The sacrifices made by veterans, whether on distant battlefields or in the quiet moments of their post-service lives, protect the very ideals we hold dear—freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness.
On Veterans Day, we remember that the freedoms we enjoy are never truly free, there is always a price that has been paid, a life laid down for yours. They were earned through the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before us. Whether it’s a mother, a brother, a neighbor, or a friend, there is always someone who has given a piece of themselves in service to the country. And so, we celebrate them—not just for what they have done, but for who they are. Heroes, each in their own way.
This day, more than any other, serves as a reminder that while war may end, the spirit of those who fought for peace endures. Veterans Day is an emotional tribute to their strength, their sacrifices, and their resilience—a tribute we owe them, not just on November 11, but every day.
Mrs. Roth’s culinary class at Brandon High School celebrated Veterans Day by trying MREs or a Meal, Ready-to-Eat. Major John Rowland visited the class to explain how to prepare the meal and the importance of the MRE. Preceding their taste test of the MRE, they watched an informative video on what it is. The Meal, Ready-to-Eat, is an individual United States military ration used by the United States Armed Forces and Department of Defense. It is intended for use by American service members in combat or field conditions where other food is unavailable. Some MREs provided to the culinary class included a chicken burrito, chicken burrito bowl, beef ravioli, jalapeno beef patties, Italian sausage, and Mexican-style rice and beans. The Mexican-style MRE held within it the main course of Mexican-style rice and beans as well as peanut butter and crackers, honey mustard and onion pretzels, a cranberry energy bar, a chocolate protein drink, and a complimentary pack with sugar, salt, pepper, mint, napkins, and coffee.
