Sinclair Community College students get a day off of school on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day, which was set aside to celebrate our armed forces.
In 1919, fighting in World War I was stopped due to an armistice, or truce, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day, and from then on the eleventh would be a day to honor our veterans.
A veteran is anyone who has served or is serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces, and many people at Sinclair fall under this category.
Dr. Marc Smith, a Sinclair biology professor, served in the Air Force from 1972 until 1992. Smith said he feels that it helped him in learning a lot about himself.
“It helped me develop as a man, as a student, as an athlete, as a spouse,” Smith said.
Through his military experience he was able to travel a lot, learning about the foods, taboos and cultures of different countries.
“I realize how important veterans are to the survivability of our country,” Smith said.
Clinton Kellis, a Sinclair student who will be joining the U.S. Army soon, has been going through training and said he already feels it has impacted his life.
“I feel a great sense of pride—it’s something bigger than yourself,” Kellis said.
To celebrate Veterans Day, Smith tries to visit memorial services but mostly enjoys working in his garden.
“Working in dirt makes me think of graves and the fallen vets,” Smith said. “Veterans Day means sacrifice.”
Kellis tries to visit his grandparents who are both veterans.
Both Smith and Kellis say they feel people tend to take Veterans Day for granted. Kellis said people look at it as an excuse to get off work or school, but they don’t understand the reason behind it.
“Be more aware that freedom doesn’t come free,” Kellis said.
Smith thinks people should try and visit a veteran, whether in a cemetery, nursing home or veteran’s center. He said he thinks we should thank some veteran in our lives.
“A veteran is not a hero,” Smith said. “A veteran is someone that realizes the country is bigger than them as an individual and has sacrificed themselves for the good of the nation—they are altruistic.
“They don’t ask for appreciation, but they need it.”