Young Min

Navy veteran and math department chair Anthony Silk recounted his experience during the Persian Gulf War, where he flew the EA6B Prowler aircraft as an active duty military aviator. “For me, when I think of Veterans Day, I don’t think of myself, because I was doing a job and that’s what it was,” Silk said.

Every year, November 11 marks a day of service and sacrifice, where people from across the United States honor the strength and courage of the country’s veterans. This day, known as Veterans Day, is dedicated to those who put their lives on the line to protect our nation.

History teacher Karen Haley served in the Army’s Adjutant General Branch for seven years and takes pride in her military service.

“When I hear the word Veterans Day, I think of one word: celebration,” Haley said. “The average person [can’t] serve. It takes a special type of person with good discipline and a strong work ethic. You have to have pride in the uniform and the country.”

Navy veteran and math department chair Anthony Silk recounted his experience during the Persian Gulf War, where he flew the EA6B Prowler aircraft as an active duty military aviator. He emphasized the resilience and unity that define those who serve.

“You’re flying over what was considered enemy territory when they’re shooting at you,” Silk said. “You would be up there doing midair refueling and going back out, flying over known missile sites and preparing yourself for what happens if you get shot down. The camaraderie that you suddenly find when you are together experiencing a challenging situation allows you to bond very closely, and that makes you stronger.”

Despite the dangers he faced during service, Silk hopes to shift the focus of Veterans Day to those deeply impacted by war. To him, the day is less about personal recognition and more about remembering those who made great sacrifices.

“There are lots of people that had much more traumatic experiences, some of whom did not survive,” Silk said. “For me, when I think of Veterans Day, I don’t think of myself, because I was doing a job and that’s what it was. I think about these people that really went in and sacrificed much more of themselves to serve their country and do something that they believed in.”

Although soldiers in direct combat first come to mind when thinking of veterans, the day is a tribute to all who serve, including those in support roles and other branches of uniformed service. Many people serve behind the scenes as part of the Coast Guard or as engineers, strategists and medical personnel.

Math teacher Bradley Stoll was part of the Army Reserve and the Navy, where he worked as an electrician aboard a nuclear-powered cruiser. He spent most of his time near the coast of Panama, looking for ships that were transporting drugs.

“We had to be on high alert and ready just in case something happened,” Stoll said. “Most of the skills I learned [were] around electricity and how to work on electronics, but I learned how to get along with other people. You’re living with 32 other people in very small confines of all different races.”

These shared experiences and challenges highlight the sacrifices veterans make, which are often honored through small but touching traditions like cards or flowers. Haley shares her appreciation for the annual gifts she receives.

“I get cards from the elementary students and their teachers every single year,” Haley said. “They send over a big folder with about 20 personal cards saying ‘Happy Veterans Day,’ and they are very nice because they’re handmade and it’s so cute to look at the writing.”

Even though their roles may differ, all military service members act as defenders of national security and protect America’s democratic principles. Veterans Day honors that commitment, recognizing that not everyone is equipped to take on such a role.

For many veterans, one of the simplest yet most meaningful gestures they receive on Veterans Day is a “thank you.” This acknowledgment serves as a bridge between those who serve and the civilians they protect, offering a moment of recognition for our veterans.

“I hope that individuals acknowledge the people from our country who have defended their way of life,” Silk said. “If they know anybody who is a veteran who has put themselves in harm’s way to protect these hopes and ideals, I hope that they thank them and remember that we’re not all capable of doing that, so to have people that will stand up for us is a good thing.”