For some, November 11 may be nothing more than a holiday on the calendar or a day off from work. For many others, however, November 11 - Veterans Day - means so much more.
In recognition of Veterans Day and Veterans Week, several members of the Appalachian State University military-affiliated community shared what Veterans Day and military service mean to them. Dr. Lynn Gregory, a veteran of the United States Army and associate professor in the Department of Communication, stated, "Veterans Day is a day for me to celebrate the people and families who have served in the military. It's also a day for me to remind others in my social cifcle about what it means to serve and to encourage them to be thankful– for Veterans and our nation."
Mike Waters, Air Force veteran and copier services consultant, said, "Veterans Day helps to remind me of an important time in my life. My service committment helped me to grow up and become independent. It taught me about respect and to appreciate family, freedom and the timeless friendships I made during those years. I learned to look people in the eye, to have a strong handshake, that my word was my bond, and to try to do the right thing always. It helped me to realize the love I have for my country, and protecting the ones that you care about." Similarly, Mike Kellum, a student veteran studying Workforce Education and Development, recalled, "I learned many things such as leadership and selflessness, but probably the most important thing was perspective. I served in Iraq beside Iraqis. I was able to get a glimpse of the world through their eyes. I lost friends. I experienced combat. I grew as a human being. It’s that different perspective that make veterans a valuable part of any work group or team."
For many, military service is a family affair. David Hill, Navy veteran and telecommunicator with App State Police, shared, "My entire family served; my brother Jim spent 20 years in the Army, my brother John had 20 years in the Navy, and my father did 26 years in the Navy as an Aviator." The same can be said for Bill and Anita McGowan. They are both veterans of the Armed Forces and three of their four sons also served. Bill, who serves as Appalachian's Clearly Act compliance coordinator, is a Marine Corps veteran and Anita, office manager and paralegal for the Office of General Counsel, served in the Army. Josie Barnes, a middle grades education major, shared photos of her family, with her father in uniform, as a way of demonstrating her perception of Veterans Day. For Josie, Veterans Day is "the day my heroes, my dad and my mom, get recognition for all their sacrifices for our country."
Members of Appalachian's Miltiary Affairs Committee, an interdepartmental committee whose mission is to advocate for and support Appalachian's military-affiliated students, also shared their thoughts about veterans day and Appalachian's student veterans. Nate Weigl, director of operations for the Office of Online and Transfer Services, stated, "you [student veterans] are irreplacable members of this community. Your knowledge, your experience, and your leadership make us all better." Jayne Dowdy, associate director of transfer and military recruitment, said, "I am honored and so excited to assist our students who serve our country... Happy Veterans Day and Week from one of your biggest fans. Thank you, thank you!"
Visit our Veterans Week webpage to view all of the Veterans Week Reflections in their entirety.
Veterans Day, originally Armistace Day, is officially observed every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The selection of 11:00am on November 11 is no coincidence- the Armistace of 1918, which brought an end to the hostilities of World War I, was signed at 11:00 on November 11, 1918. The following November, in 1918, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 a national day of remembrance and commemoration. Then in 1938, Armistace Day became a legal national holiday. Several years later (in 1954), after World War II and the Korean War, members of Congress agreed to rename the holiday, replacing "Armistace" (which placed emphasis on World War I) with "Veterans." The change was made to expand the purview of the holiday to recognize the service and sacrifice of ALL who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
"Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."
(US Department of Veterans Affairs)
Veterans Day 2020
Veterans Day 2020