Vets reflect on Veteran's Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rae Perry
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
For some, Veteran's Day is just another day off, but to others the day represents much more.

Armistice Day was established in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson in honor of the men who fought in World War I (WWI). Thirty five years later, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation changing the Federal holiday to encompass all men and women who have fought for the United States, permanently changing the name to Veteran's Day.

No matter what war you fought in, the number of years you served, or what branch of military you were in, veterans from all generations proudly come together, sporting old military uniforms or medals and reminisce with their family and friends.

"My parents are coming in to town," said Senior Airman Meredith Thomas, 916th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs videographer, "My husband is active duty and both my parents are prior Air Force, so we will enjoy each other's company and relax."

Many people use the day to catch up on sleep or visit family and friends, but to some retired military members, it is a day to educate people on how the military used to operate.

"I put on a WWII military display and take it to different celebrations," said Staff Sgt. Mike Halley, United States Air Force (USAF) retired. "It is part of a remembrance for all of the things we have been through in our time. For me it makes it a special time because it gives me the opportunity to give back [to the community]."

This is also a day that many reflect on what serving in their nation's military has done for them. Whether it is getting them away from home, exploring the world or fighting for their loved ones, many veterans feel honored and speechless when it comes to talking about the military.

"I am here now because of my service in the military," said Master Sgt. Andrew Searcy, USAF retired. "I feel like freedom...it just means so much to me I just can't explain it."

Whether you fought in the trenches of WWI, or deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Veteran's Day is meant to honor those who have fought and are currently fighting for this nation's freedom.

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few-" British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.