Veteran’s Day: ‘Semper Fidelis’

As Veteran’s Day approaches so do the memories, tributes, and appreciation to those who served our country with American Pride.

According to history.com the holiday originally started on November 11, 1918, in an effort to commemorate the treaty signed between the Allies and Germany during World War 1. Also according to the site the date is significant to the eleventh because the treaty was signed at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

As Virginia Beach and its surrounding communities are home many military families, there are more than a few of the school’s students who know better than anyone the sacrifice their families make for our country. And, more often than not, the children of these Veterans feel like their families’ sacrifice is worth the loss of quality time at home with loved ones.

Senior Elaina Hitchcock’s father recently retired after serving in the Navy for 27 years.

“I know what was put into the acquisition of freedom; it seems that people don’t realize that what they do affects everyone who knows them. In relation to my father, everyone knows him from what he does within his deployment. My family and I are lucky enough to experience this first hand. We can see that being directly affected makes it easier to understand what Veteran’s Day truly means,” Hitchcock said.

Veterans themselves though, generally feel the appreciation that arrives with each year.  However, the Veteran’s themselves, as well as family members, take time to remember and reflect on those who did pay the ultimate sacrifice for the country’s freedoms.

Senior Collin Sherman’s father also served as a Navy pilot for 26 years, taking action in Desert Storm during the first Gulf War.

“I think of all the people who died fighting for our country and how lucky and thankful I am to have served and been able to come home to my family,” Retired Navy Captain John Sherman said.

Many veterans served their country because they grew up with the idea of patriotism and pride.

Retired Marine Lieutenant Marshall “Wardog” Lefavor not only fought in the Vietnam War, but also in several of the country’s disputes following and remains involved in his particular branch of the military.

“I was eleven years old before I knew how to tell time by a clock or realize that everyone didn’t pack up and move every two years.”  Then I became a Marine and remained proud of everyday I served,” Lefavor said. “I’m no hero. I’ve seen the ugliness of war, lost comrades in combat, and wept at The Wall. It is I who should say thanks to you, America, for the privilege of serving the greatest nation on Earth. As we Marines say, Semper Fidelis.”