Students should show gratitude to veterans
At 11:11 a.m. today, a solemn ceremony will take place on the front steps of Memorial Gym. The Moscow community gathers at those steps as part of a yearly University of Idaho tradition to commemorate Veterans Day, by placing wreathes to honor veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
Unlike many other federal holidays, Veterans Day does not bring with it a day off from school or a rapid frenzy of consumerism that is a typical hallmark of the holiday season. Instead, Veterans Day is a holiday focused on men and women who made great sacrifices in order to serve our country.
It is important students don’t let today slip by unnoticed. UI is home to many student and faculty veterans, as well as current military members. Many also come from military families and understand the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces.
According to the Veterans Assistance Office, there are currently 309 veterans enrolled at UI. Since Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring those who chose to give so much of their lives in service to the country, it is critical students seize the opportunity presented today to demonstrate their gratitude.
There are many ways to honor veterans. Participating in the wreathe laying ceremony is an opportunity to take part in a UI tradition while simultaneously demonstrating gratitude for those who have served. If you see or meet a veteran today, take the opportunity to thank them for their service. A thank you — or even a simple nod of appreciation — may seem small, but to the men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting us all, every bit of gratitude is important.
After Veterans Day has passed, the need to support and recognize veterans does not disappear. There are numerous charities and programs dedicated to assisting men and women after they leave the military that can benefit from student support. One program assisting veterans at UI is Operation Education — a scholarship program providing financial support, academic support and counseling for post-9/11 veterans who were injured in the line of duty.
Do not miss the opportunity today to honor and appreciate our veterans. These are the men and women who made many sacrifices to join and serve in the military and protect the freedoms granted to U.S. citizens. So it is more than necessary for their service to be met with gratitude every day.
–AE