Veterans Day

By Ashlyn Steffey

Editor: Breanna Naysmith

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November 11th is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and their sacrifice for the good of their country.

World War I ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed, but fighting ceased seven months later when an armistice between the allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Since then, November 11 has been regarded as ¨the war to end all wars¨. It was the most destructive, bloody, and far-reaching war in human records.

Poppy flowers are associated with this holiday to symbolize the bloodshed following the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.

Ceremonies are held each year at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where floral tributes are placed on the tomb and graves of the servicemen and women throughout Arlington Cemetery. Most businesses and schools are closed on this day. Parades and church services are held. Other countries also celebrate November 11th to honor those in World War I and II. For example, in Canada November 11th is known as Remembrance Day. In Britain and Europe it is common to have two minutes of silence at 11:00 am.

Veterans Day honors the people who served our country whether in times of peace or war; whereas, Memorial Day honors those who died during combat. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May.

In 2022, Memorial Day will occur on May 31. Known as “Declaration Day”, it originated in the years after the Civil War because the Civil War claimed more lives than any war in American history. To celebrate this holiday, people visit cemeteries or memorials, hold family gatherings, and participate in parades.

We have several veterans who are teachers here at Powell High School. We appreciate and thank them for their service

Veterans at PHS:

-Ken Davis- 1980-1984 (USN) Served on the USS McCandless FF-1084

-Terry Lawlor- 1987-2012 (USAF &US Army) Served various places

-Virgil McKee- 1993-1997(USN)

-Jamada Gardner- 1995-2007(USN) Served various places. USS Donald G Cook

-Rusty Smith- 1990-1994(USAF) Served in Desert Storm

-Jason Breeden-1991-1993.(USN) Naval Reserves 1997-1998

Local restaurants with veteran deals:

-Freddy's Steakburger. Free combo meal

-Chicken Salad Chick. Free meal and drink

-Buffalo Wild Wings. 10 free boneless wings

-O'Charley's. Veterans eat free all day

-El Chicos. Free meal off of the lunch menu *available all day

-Food City. Free meal at the bakery and deli

-Texas Roadhouse. Free meal until 4, after 4 they

are giving coupons valid until July 2022