Veterans Day — a day dedicated to honor those who serve in the military has had conflicting purposes in my life. Before I was taught the history behind this holiday, I merely viewed it as my birthday — a day dedicated to celebrate the life of myself. Selfish, right? School was always held on Veterans Day so the sacredness and necessity of this particular day never stood out to me. The purpose of this holiday is to take away the self-indulgent attitudes that many hold even in a country where consumerism seems like a religion.
Nov. 11, 1918, marked the end of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles was also signed. This day is also honored in other countries including the Commonwealth nations and is referred to as Remembrance Day. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is “a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” This day symbolized change and represented the new sense of peace that would come soon after. Now although there isn’t unending peace in the world, per say, things could be worse, and paying respects to the people who put their lives at risk in order to protect this nation is not only an act of humility, but one of the contradicting beauties of the U.S.. Regardless of the violence, danger and deviance that occurs, there is a day to honor those who are doing something worthy of recognition, even if some people in the population don’t support war.
The individuals who don’t give enough credit to this holiday whether they think that serving in the military is no longer the basis for keeping this nation free, according to spotlightonfreedom.com, or they are adherently pacifist, are generally not thinking of the positive outcomes that this kind of celebration can bring forth. Themes, messages and motives often get misconstrued as time goes on and there isn’t always a need to seek blame because regardless of one’s stance on this holiday. It is an act of gratitude and there’s no shame in doing so. When I was younger, I just wanted gifts on Veterans Day, but I have come to the point where I now reflect on the history of this nation — successes and failures alike. The saying, “count your blessings” is not only one that can be used in religious contexts, but one that can be applied to everyday activities that are commonly viewed as mundane. There is always an issue at hand to blog, “vlog” (video blog), analyze or rant about, but there are also opportunities worthy of acknowledgement as well. There are individuals who selflessly put others before themselves and they deserve that, at the least.
Moving from Jamaica about 10 years ago along with having a birthday that lies on a U.S. federal holiday allowed me to appreciate what I have as well as what this nation has given me. To all those who served in the military, those who are doing so, and those who plan to, thank you.
Toni-Ann Hall, Freshman
Communication Major
