Eglin leaders salute veterans

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • 96th ABW Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Veterans Day holiday began early for local youth as Eglin leaders shared its importance during school celebrations held Nov. 10.

Col. Sal Nodjomian, 96th Air Base Wing commander, and Col. Steve Hardy, 46th Test Wing, kicked off the holiday by speaking to students from Lewis School and Eglin Elementary during their annual Veterans Day events.

Colonel Nodjomian piqued students' interest of by turning the forum into a familiar class setting with trivia questions about the observance.

"What makes a veteran, a veteran?" and "Who knows how Veterans Day became a holiday?" were some of the questions he asked.

With the waving of hands, the commander helped to piece together the history of Veterans Day through their second, third, fourth and fifth grader voices.

"A veteran is someone who gives their life for our country," and "The president signed a paper making it a holiday," were a couple of responses ringing throughout the cafeteria.

Colonel Hardy took a similar approach and gave young listeners and veterans a brief history of Veterans Day.

"On Nov. 11, 1918, Americans and allies brought an end to World War I when the supreme commander of the allied armies met with Germany's government for the signing of an armistice at 11 a.m. A year later, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day in honor of World War I veterans," he said.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Armistice Day was later renamed Veterans Day June 1, 1954 in recognition of the service members mobilized in support of World War II. Since then, the day is dedicated to veterans of all conflicts.

Colonel Hardy named conflicts and asked veterans who supported each one to stand and be recognized. There was at least one veteran standing for each conflict dating back to World War II.

"I salute you on behalf of a grateful nation," he said.

Colonel Nodjomian gave Lewis School students some tips on how they could show their gratitude to veterans, from sending letters and care packages to deployed servicemembers to visiting those who served before them in local assisted living facilities.

"Go up to them when you see them in the community and say 'thank you,'" he said. "They gave up their freedoms to let us live the life we live every day, and it's the least we can do to let them know how appreciated they are."

Students continued the celebration by singing patriotic songs and reading poems dedicated to veterans.

"Veterans day is sad when all your family members go away, but don't worry, they will come back one day. Even though they get bruises and cuts, they will be strong and tough. The way I feel when they come back, I feel I want to cheer and clap. I know they worked hard, and I know that in my heart I love the people that gave a lot," one student recited from her poem.

A full listing of poems read at the ceremony can be viewed here.