A Salute to Veteran’s Day 

Kelly Rickey 
(Poway High Iliad)

The eleventh month. The eleventh day. The eleventh hour. The year was 1918, and World War I had just ended.  

   People came to realize that this date needed to be recognized-the date that the "war to end all wars" had ceased. Today it is known as Veterans Day.

   According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the day was originally called Armistice Day, named shortly before World War II broke out; after we were involved in more international conflicts it was changed to Veterans Day to "honor American veterans of all wars."

   With the World Wars still recent in our history and the arrival of more conflicts in the past sixty years, people reflect upon what soldiers have done for our country. Members of the PHS campus were asked what they do on this day of commemoration.

    "We usually have a flag ceremony at my grandmother's house…We do 'Taps' and [recite] the Pledge of Allegiance," senior Anna Gay said.

   Gay noted that some of her family members have previously served in the military.

   "My grandfather was in the military, fought in World War II…and he passed away September 8," Gay said.

   Civics teacher Ray Hall is also reflective on Veteran's Day.

   "On those days, I think back to living in Point Loma," Hall said. He remembers the 21-gun salute he would hear on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the Fourth of July while living in the area. He also thinks of the soldiers who "put their life on the line to keep us free."

   PHS security guard Robbie Ferguson, who served in Operation Goodwill (Somalia) and guarded compounds in the midst of terrorism from 1984 to1987 in Europe, explains how Veteran's Day has changed for him since entering conflict.

   Instead of having cheerful parties like many people, Ferguson looks at the day as "a more somber, meaningful, introspection time in my life…"

   On Veteran's Day "I write what I'm feeling…I see more of the loss of life and that sort of thing," Ferguson said. Although he is proud of those that have defended the country and to be one of those people, he avoids parties and treats the day more "like a Memorial Day."

   PHS Custodian Darrel Duplechain, a retired navy chief, feels Veteran's Day plays an important role as well.

   "It gives us time to reflect on the people who went before us…people who have shed blood for our country and are shedding blood to this day in support of our beliefs and our values as Americans," Duplechain said. Duplechain served in the Cambodia campaign when South Vietnam fell. During the Gulf War, he headed a few crews that repaired ships and sent supplies from them. 

   Amidst more conflict with Iraq, Duplechain was also asked what he has to say to the soldiers currently stationed in the Middle East.

   "I wish them Godspeed and nothing but the best in fair winds and fouling seas," Duplechain said.

   While PHS remembers those who have fought for freedom, our country as a whole will also honor U.S. veterans. The annual placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery will take place on November 11.

   Even as time progresses, Americans have not forgotten the service that soldiers-young or old, living or deceased, have done for our country. Heroes from the American Revolution and through the 21st century will always be remembered.