A person’s service does not simply end when they retire, or leave the military. There are reminders everyday of their courage and bravery from the stars and stripes that fly high, to the people around them. The things they learned are still with them as they carry it through life, and pass on to those around them.  When IHS Paraprofessional Randy Sell was posed the question, ‘What is your biggest take away from your time in service?,’ he replied “Anything you put your mind to can be accomplished, pay attention to details, make it happen.” 

We all know to thank those around us on Veterans Day, but many don’t know how the day came to be. It began when WWI, also called The Great War, ended. It had ended on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. President Woodrow Wilson decided to make November 11th “Armistice Day,” to honor those who served in WWI. A sum 36 years later it was changed to become Veterans Day by President Dwight Eisenhower to honor all those who served, not just the ones from the first world war.

From those around us we can learn a lot about how the military changes you, but not the ways you may think. Most people see the military experience as brutal and scary, but under the surface it is much more. At times it can be very physically demanding and push a person to new limits. Yet they get new experiences and lessons that can’t be learned anywhere else that stick with them forever. For instance, IHS Operational Principal Douglas Johnson commented about something he wanted others to know about the military: “The amount of good that comes from it, the experiences that you learn, and the confidence you gain.”

So no matter where you are or what you are doing, stop a minute and say thank you. It’s the least we all can do after all they have done for us. On November 11 every year, we give our thanks to those around us who have served. It’s a time to reflect on their sacrifices and bravery they made for all of us.