Veterans Day is a time for Americans to pay respects to those who have served in the armed forces. 

The holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars.

Veterans Day being on November 11 helps focus attention on the important purpose of today: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice.

Here at IHS, we have staff who have served for the  country who the school  would like to honor and celebrate this year. 

Hector Garcia, assistant principal, served in the Air Force for six years.

Garcia talks about the differences in various branches of the military.

“The difference is what you want to specialize in. If you want just do infantry type things that will be the Marine and Army. If you want more specialized training then you look at the Air Force or Navy. You also have to consider the ASAP test scores. The higher asap scores you have the higher you can qualify for more jobs; the Air Force and Navy have higher requirements for ASAP scores.”

Jason Lewis, World geography and AP human geography teacher, served in the United States Army for 23 years. 

“Each branch has a specific mission; the Army is for the most part the ground fighting force, the Navy is the sea, the Air Force is the air fighting force, and the Marines are kind of a combination of all of those,” Lewis said.

The two veterans explain how they were inspired to join the military. 

“My whole family is prior military – my stepdad, my dad, my uncles. I had a lot of family members that were in the military and so going to college was always talked about growing up, but it was paying for college that was the question. The best thing for me was to find a way out of my hometown, and going into the military was a way to find a better life for myself,“ Garcia said.

It is common  for new generations to follow their families footsteps and continue legacies by going into the military. 

Lewis said he was inspired to go into the military by the impact the veterans in his life had on him.

“I feel like it’s just kind of a way to pay them back for their service,” he said.

IHS senior, Ryan Rush, plans on enlisting in the United States Army after he graduates, Mr. Lewis and his grandfather inspired him to make this decision. 

“Being a veteran means that I’ve been able to hold my head up high and have been able to serve my country with honor and distinction and I’m proud of my service,” Lewis said.

Garcia talks about what being a veteran means to him.

“It feels great that we served our country, but also that I passed on and continue during that family legacy – my son also wa​​nts to serve so I’m very proud of [him].. I love feeling like I served my country and that my family honors that as well.”

Be sure to reach out to those who have fought for our country, lost their lives, and who have made huge sacrifices to see our flag fly today. 

“Joining the military was the best decision I’ve ever made so if anyone needs any advice, I’d be happy to answer any questions,” said Garcia.