Monday, November 13, 2017

THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF THE YEAR

By ANDREW FITZPATRICK

ANDREW FITZPATRICK FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY
Every year, on November 11th, Veteran’s Day is celebrated nationwide.  Veteran’s Day commemorates all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, whether they are currently enlisted or not, for their service in the military and for defending our freedom.  These veterans are often not given the recognition that they truly deserve.  That is why this day should be one of the most important days of the year.

According to History.com, the idea of Veteran’s Day began on November 11th, 1918, when countries involved in World War I began to form a truce.  Armistice Day, as it was referred to in the early 1900’s,  became a nationally recognized holiday in 1919 following the ending of World War I after President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it as such.  On June 1st, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower announced to the American people that they were changing the name “Armistice Day” to “Veteran’s Day” in order to honor all who have served,  not just the people who fought during World War I.  Ever since, Veteran’s Day has been celebrated annually and is a very important United States holiday.

Brendan Fitzpatrick, a former member of the Coast Guard and one of Washingtonville’s very own veterans, expressed that, “It is important to remember all of the veterans that have sacrificed and given so much for the country.”  Fitzpatrick served 19 and 1/2 years in the military, and even though he didn’t know every single person in the Coast Guard, he still has strong feelings for all members of the military who serve to keep us free.  “Even though I am a veteran, I always thank other veterans for their service.  Every member of the Armed Forces took the same risk: no matter their branch of service.  We are all family!”

Gianna Siciliano, a freshman at Washingtonville High School, strongly believes that, “Without veterans, we couldn’t live the blessed life that we have now.”  Siciliano is grateful for all of the veterans who have served her country.  “The U.S. Military and all of the members of our Armed Forces keep my family and I safe, and I can’t be more lucky than to live in a country in where I can live my life and be safe every single day with no worries.”

There are many ways that people can show their appreciation for our country’s veterans.  Some suggestions are:  organize a care package for troops stationed overseas; go to your local V.A. and spend some time with veterans; wear a red poppy; support a veteran owned business; send a card to a veteran.  These small gestures would mean so much to a vet.

Some might say that Veteran’s Day is the most important holiday in the United States to date.  The reason why Veteran’s Day is seen as the most important is because without veterans serving the country and defending freedom,  American’s would not have the ability to celebrate the more  well known holidays. It isn’t difficult to celebrate Veteran’s Day, so make sure to go out, acknowledge each and every single veteran that you cross paths with, and enjoy your freedom on November 11th!


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