Veterans Day is a day that remembers those who have served in the military to protect the greater good of the United States. Veterans Day is a time for us to pay respect to those who fought for our country. We remember them for their heroism and valor that they have done for this country, serving in terrible past conflicts and giving their all. As students in Bob Jones, it is our duty to respect and remember our local veterans and service members in the Military. 

This holiday started as a day to remember those who died in the United States and this was originally called Armistice Day. Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States in honor of the “Eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day. However, in 1954 the holiday was changed to Veterans Day to remember the veterans in all of the wars fought. Every year, veterans, relatives, supporters, and those who want to remember those who have fought for our freedom celebrate this day just as importantly as Memorial Day. Although some may get confused between the two holidays, they support different events. In the United States, Memorial Day’s purpose is to honor military members who have died, while Veterans Day recognizes the service of all America’s veterans. Both in the end are equally important with two different causes. 

Bob Jones students shared their opinions on Veterans Day and what they do to celebrate such an important day to be remembered. Isabelle Thomsay, a freshman, said her feelings about Veterans Day: “On this day we are acknowledging the people who have sacrificed and served our country.” Her way of celebration for Veterans Day is, “We message people we know and family members. Sometimes we will sing a song for them and say a nice message expressing our appreciation.” Conrado Jocson, a freshman, plants wreaths and flags at the Madison cemetery. Lily Shelton, a freshman, shares her feelings about how people use the day for other reasons: “I do think Veteran’s Day is important, but it feels very showy. Throughout the year, there’s very little appreciation for them otherwise, unless it’s celebrating their deaths.” These students are just a few of the hundreds to thousands of students in Alabama and other states all around the United States that support Veterans Day. 

In 2018, Bob Jones and S2S hosted a complimentary special breakfast in honor of all the Veterans that have served including school faculty. On top of this S2S also helps and welcomes the family members of these Veterans and helps them get oriented in Bob Jones High School and many others.

This year 2021, Bob Jones and AFJROTC have planned to respectfully plant flags and wreaths on the graves of Veterans in local cemeteries in memory and honor of their service, They have also set out to march in a parade in Huntsville while in full uniform during November.

Bob Jones High School and other local schools in Alabama have had many events to commemorate the braveness and dignity of all the courageous Veterans that have fought for our country, and still have big things planned to continue our tribute to them.