Veterans Day is November 11. That is an important day in the United States. It is a federal holiday to honor people who served in America’s armed services. That includes former members of the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. There are 22 million of them. They risked their lives for the United States.
Todd Kruder was a U.S. Navy captain in Kirkuk, Iraq. “Veterans Day comes down to one thing,” he said. “Our freedom is not a given. Millions serve to protect it and defend it every day.”
“Many people have dedicated themselves to our country,” said Major Barbara Meadows. The U.S. Army major served for 21 years, including in Kabul, Afghanistan. “Veterans are people just like you and me,” she added. “[They] want to make sure that the United States has freedom.”
How can Americans support their veterans? Different veterans gave different answers. “Fly a U.S. flag,” suggested Meadows. “Even a little flag means something big.”
Kruder didn’t want anything. “Those who have worn the uniform want nothing in return,” said Kruder. “We are proud to wear the uniform and love what we do.”
Jack L. Sammons was a Marine during the Vietnam War. He had a simple idea for support. “The expression, ‘Thank you for your service,’ is a good thing.”
Updated November 10, 2017, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn
