Story and Photos by Angel Sabater | Big Stick Editor |
Initially called Armistice Day in 1919 by former President Woodrow Wilson, Veteran’s Day is celebrated every year on Nov. 11 to mark a truce, signed between the allies of World War I and Germany at Compiegne, France, which took place at eleven o’clock in the morning in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Years later after WWII, on June 1, 1954, President, Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation”. To celebrate and honor the service and sacrifice of all United States Veterans and victims of all wars, JROTC hosted a ceremony dedicated to all Veterans; most attendees had served in the military.
“I was in the Air Force from 1968-1972, at that time I was sent to Germany for three years and two months and I worked on fighter planes and electronics,” retired Air Force Veteran and attendee, Larry Priest said. “I think it’s important that people show their support for our Veterans, because they are sent away from their families and they go into war for our country’s sake.”
WWI began in July 28, 1914, America joined the war in April 6, 1917, and the war ended in November 11, 1918. WWII began in September 1, 1939 and ended in September 2, 1945. Vietnam War began in 1954 and ended in April 30, 1975. These are the wars that many Veterans fought in, that attended the ceremony and watched as their children or grandchildren dedicate their ceremony to them.
“My grandson is one of the ROTC students,” attendee, Victoria Martin said. ” I was emotional, because they dedicated their ceremony to Veterans who provided us their service and sacrifice.”
Every year for Veterans Day, ROTC celebrates by having the Rough Rider Battalion conduct the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony held in front of the JROTC building, honoring the service of all U.S. Military Veterans and recognize their sacrifice, commitment, and dedication to the nation. The tribute included service melodies and presentation of flags, followed by a pass in review by the cadets.
“It was really important to me, because we dedicated it to Veterans, it for the fallen soldiers and their sacrifice for our future,” cadet freshman, Natalie Rodriguez said. “It’s also more of an honor they give their lives up for us and I think we should show our support back.”
There are many ROTC students, some students come into ROTC because it’s something new to do, but for Battalion Commander senior, Calvin Marshall, it is ways to keep and to carry into the military. “After graduating I plan on going into the military to be an Army Ranger,” Marshall said. “Veteran’s Day is a day for us to display the gratitude for our Veterans and to honor the sacrifices they’ve made.”
