Before World War II, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day. President Roosevelt changed it to Veterans Day on November 11th, 1938. This day is for honoring all of the veterans who served our country.

This is a day where veterans get special deals or discounts on food and some services, depending on the business. More importantly, there are many services and memorials set up around Fort Collins every November 11th.

Spring Canyon and Edora parks both had a memorial put in permanently and have services for all of the veterans who have served. Spring Canyon brought in a wall with thousands of names of soldiers who have fallen on the battlefield. This was a traveling wall; it is not permanent.  

At the Spring Canyon service people gathered to thank all of the veterans who attended. After the service, 10 or 15 of veterans talked and got to know each other. These heroes stayed and told stories to people who were interested.

Edora Park was just as satisfying. Troops, families, and friends gathered to honor and show their respect to those who are in the military. Edora has memorials for soldiers who died in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Going to see all of these men and women who serve it showed me all of the traditions, family, and friends these heroes leave and give up to serve our country. They can walk around knowing they have done something bigger than themselves. War is not pretty in any way, soldiers see some horrific things on the battlefield; when they come home we need to welcome and respect them with open arms.

It was a very eye opening day for me. The past few weeks I had been thinking about joining the military, and this helped to push me to the conclusion that I want to pursue this dream. I do not have a military background in my family, but seeing the way veterans stand, talk, and present themselves gives me hope that I will become something better while in the military.

Joining the military offers the opportunity for me to be a part of something–to grow, to learn, to contribute to my country. I’ve been looking for purpose in my life and I think this might be it. I want to give back and I want to serve my country. I look forward to a day when I can come back and talk to those veterans knowing I belong in their company.