“What Does Veterans Day Mean to You?”
Each year on November 11, our nation comes together to celebrate the military members and veterans who have so bravely served our country. We asked our team members to reflect on what this holiday means to them, and invite you to do the same. Some of these individuals have family members that serve; others have served themselves. Regardless of their personal stories, all of them believe this is an important day to thank and celebrate those who fight to keep us safe.
I am a first generation American and even though, through the years I admired my parents for giving my siblings and I the basics in life, I admire our Veterans (those past, present, and future), for giving me the freedom to worship, work, play and travel. Those of us who are not Veterans will never know that sacrifice.
Elizabeth Gandara-Castillo
To me Veterans Day is a reminder not only that this day is dedicated to honor the sacrifices of so many brave men and women, but also to remember all those that have willingly given so much and still give so much each day. It reminds me to be grateful, humbled, and awe struck by you and your families’ continued service every day. I am deeply and eternally grateful for the heroes you have been, the warriors you are, and the family you will always be.
Erin Kimbrough
Veterans Day is a special time for us to remember all those that have made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom and for all the benefits of living in this great country. My three year stint in the Army was nothing compared to the ultimate sacrifice so many made with their lives on our behalf. Our prayers go out to all of the veterans and their families for their unselfish commitment to something bigger than all of us. May we all continue to provide veterans the respect and benefits they deserve for what they have done on our behalf. God Bless them all and God Bless the USA.
Greg Clary, Active Army, 1970-1973, Army Reserves, 1973-1978
“Although I did not serve, Veterans Day is a way to honor those who have. Working with disabled veterans has opened my eyes to the immense sacrifices our service men and women have made for my freedom. I have only known a life where I could speak freely, believe freely, and live without fear, and for this, I owe our nation’s veterans. Thank you!”
Makenzie Thomas
Veterans Day is a day for me to publicly interact with other veterans and thank them for their sacrifices made on behalf of our great nation. Privately it is time for me to reflect upon my time in service and to remember that I made it home and I should spend my remaining time on this planet with my family and leave this a better place than I found it.
Doug Havemann, 11 years in the U.S. Army
It’s a day to honor and remember all of our brave service men and women who have served this country! It reminds me of my family and friends who have sacrificed so much to ensure my safety. It also highlights the selflessness of those who served who were willing to protect this country and the lives of people they didn’t even know.
Faye McGuire
Veterans Day means to me a day that thanks and honors those who gave us all a gift that is completely priceless, and I can’t thank them enough for their bravery!
Claire Scheppler
To me, November 11th is a day that we celebrate and honor those who have served to protect the United States. Veterans Day serves as a reminder that our freedom is not free, brave men and women give their lives for our freedom and we should not take those little things in life for granted. It is a special feeling knowing that our nation comes together to honor these Veterans.
Hannah Watts
As a civilian, Veterans Day is a reminder for me to recognize the sacrifices our service members have made by taking part in something much bigger than themselves. No other commitment is as valuable to our country. This day also represents a chance to educate ourselves on the challenges facing many veterans, and how we can ensure these individuals have the best possible chance of thriving after their service.
Kelby Kosel
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Roughly one in five veterans experiences mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and anxiety. Below are a few resources you can use to educate yourself on mental health awareness:
On behalf of the Texas AgrAbility and BattleGround to Breaking Ground team, thank you, veterans, for your sacrifice and service to our nation.