Veterans Day is a celebration to honor those who served in the armed forces for their patriotism and those killed in the country’s wars.
Veterans Day is celebrated each year on November 11, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the federal government designates the following Monday as the federal holiday.
The number 11 is actually very important for Veterans Day as it’s a reference to the 11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, when World War I ended as the allied forces and Germany agreed to a ceasefire.
Veteran Foran teacher Mr. Thomas Dillon expresses, “Veterans Day is an important day to recognize the veterans who have served in conflicts and who showed their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for their country and their values. I served in the Connecticut Army National Guard for five years, late nineties-2001. I got out two weeks before September 11, 2001. I originally enlisted as a tack fire operations specialist, processing fire missions.”
Honoring veterans can come in many forms. In the United States an American flag can be seen flying in front of a home, flags are placed at the graves of veterans, people may wear a red poppy, even have a moment of silence and reflection.
The red poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the armed forces.
Veteran Foran substitute teacher Mr. Michael Degrego states, “I served in the Air Force from November 14, 1971 at the age of 19 and retired in May 1992 at the age of 40. I feel honored that so many people come out in Milford to host a parade for us, and I am glad schools are open on Veterans Day for us to be honored by staff and students.”
As of 2022, the Census Bureau’s American Community shows there were 16.2 million veterans in the United States. Most veterans are living in California, Texas and Florida.
Veteran Foran teacher Mr. Paul Grillo states, “I enlisted in the Air Force in 1994. My training started at boot camp in Texas. I recall a funny time in boot camp when our drill sergeant told us to shower and shave our heads. Someone not only shaved their head but also their eyebrows.”
As Veterans Day approaches there are many positive, uplifting and funny stories that may be told but the sad reality is that some veterans may be suffering from post-traumatic disorder, anxiety, hearing loss, substance abuse, suicide, injuries and or illness caused by toxic exposure from battle.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a support and resource available for veterans, including insurance, healthcare, home loans, education, disability compensation, employment, pension and burial.
We thank all of our veterans for your service to our country. We thank you for your time, bravery and sacrifice.
