What’s the meaning of Veterans Day to you? For me it has many meanings. It’s a day to take a moment and pay homage to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and to give thanks to those who have served, both past and present. During my 21 years I have had the pleasure of serving next to some of the finest men and women from all branches of the military. Today, I want to say thank you for your service, your friendship and for the personal sacrifices you made for this great nation.
I also want to take a moment and share what it means to a young 5th grade student named Anjonae. She put her words on paper and summed up her meaning with one word; “Freedom”. Please read and share her beautiful words and take time to think about what Veterans Day means to you.
Freedom
By: Anjonae (5th Grade)
We gather here today to honor Veterans for their dedication, loyalty, kindness, and love. Some people celebrate Veterans Day calmly, or by throwing a party, or by going to a parade, but we all remember Veterans the same way. Freedom.
Whether it’s going to war or training their troops, Veterans risk their lives for us. The ones who go may not make it out alive and the ones who stay will be saddened for their loss. Even when times are hard every Veteran has the same thought in mind. Freedom.
You can believe in Veterans and know that you are going to be safe. Even when they don’t have a victory they know next time to try harder. When they succeed, they celebrate what they have won. Freedom.
To Veterans, safety comes last. No matter what the cost is, they do it. The first and most important is us. They also do it for another thing. Freedom.
Veterans have left their families for us. That is the hardest thing anybody could do. When they do, they may cry, but then they only walk farther. Every step they took, they remembered a word with a powerful meaning. Freedom.
Veterans keep the flag of America off the ground. As long as the flag is standing, we know that America is still here. We also know the thing we have kept for many years is still here. Freedom.
Our Veterans sacrificed their lives for us. They did things that we may be afraid to do. They want the best for us. Freedom.
Freedom is what keeps our Veterans and Servicemen going. It is what gives them hope. Freedom is what we all wish for. With Veterans and Servicemen it is what we have. Freedom.