I know, Veterans Day has already come and gone. On Veterans Day, Sevier County was out of school, the History Channel showed a great show that had veterans telling their war stories, and I saw some members of the Jr. ROTC at the mall. Like with any holiday, it’s not really what you do on that set day, it’s the feeling you get from knowing what that day means. At the mall, there were several veterans and when the Jr. ROTC kids walked in with their uniforms on, looks of pride and hope were apparent on the veterans’ faces. Around Veterans Day, a veteran walked into Seymour Primary School wearing his old uniform. As he stood in the office, a little boy saw him, knocked on the office glass, and saluted the veteran. The veteran saluted him back. There were also many Veterans Day programs that took place around the county. It was touching to see the veterans stand up when their military branch’s theme was played; some of them wearing their uniforms, or at least the parts that fit. Their attendance alone tells us of their pride of serving their country. They are always so impressed with these programs and are excited that people in the community remember their service.
Notice that all of these situations occur when a younger generation pay their respects and express their gratitude towards the veterans around them. It is admirable that many young people are learning how to respect those who have served us. Sometimes adults complain that kids today have no respect for anyone or believe that we’re selfish and don’t care about the past; maybe some young people are selfish and disrespectful, but most are perfectly aware of the sacrifices these men and women have made and are making for all of us. Young people know how to learn from the past and they know that the events that are playing out right now (in Iraq, in the U.S. government, etc.) will directly affect them.
The day the government labeled Veterans Day has come and gone, but in reality, every day should be Veterans Day. There are many people that pause during their day and think about a family member or friend who is serving in the military. People wear American flag T-shirts and hats. Children say the Pledge of Allegiance to start out their school day. Tourists visit national landmarks in Pearl Harbor and Washington D.C. The National Anthem is played at sporting events. All of these actions, in some way or another, help people remember veterans and those who have died while fighting for our freedom. Remembering our past helps us plan and protect our future. It is not only just a nice thing to do to tell a veteran, “Hey, buddy, thanks,” it is essential that we continue to thank and remember these people daily in order to pass on the importance of being grateful to our country’s children and ensure our country’s strength and pride.

Editors note: Kayla Lindsey is a senior at Seymour High School and is doing intern work at The Herald Newspapers. Her editorial above gives all of us that are veterans a hope for our younger generation that rarely comes around. To be appreciated by these students is truly a compliment, those that performed for the veterans in the programs at all of the schools, we owe you a thanks, because it’s just nice to know that young people like Kayla and the performers in the programs remember what these men and women of the service have sacrificed for this country. . .Buck Buckholz

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