Schools were closed on November 11 in observance of veterans day. But what is veterans day? For some, it’s viewed as just a day off, but for many in America, it is intended to be a day to remember all that fought and served in the United States Military. It was originally called “Armistice day” after World War I, to celebrate the day on which the war actually ended, November 11, 1918.  Armistice Day officially became a national holiday in 1938, and it changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

     In honor of Veteran’s Day, I decided to interview my grandfather Steven. He served in the Vietnam war. He was drafted in 1965 at the age of 20. 

     While serving at war, he said his favorite thing about it was “meeting different people from many different states and countries.” He said that he had never met people from those parts of the world and the United States, making it a very interesting experience for him. 

     “It means that I served my country, got called up, and honorably discharged, and that I did my service to my country.” 

     He often references the quote, “A veteran is someone who at one point in life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including his life.”              

     To him, Veterans day is, “An appreciation to all the men and women that served our country.” It is a day that rightfully commends the sacrifices of all those who served in the United States armed forces. At Pelham, we are reminded of this service by the “memorial” in the name of our school.