By Giovanni Pumarada
EBC, Florida Bureau
(Eagle News) – Every year on November 11, Americans across the United States honor those in the Armed Forces, past and present, by commemorating Veteran’s Day. Cities may host parades or render special services that recognize fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending not only the United States but also other countries who may not enjoy the sames privileges and freedoms that citizens of the US do.
But for one veteran, celebrating Veteran’s Day is not just about the remembrance of fallen soldiers but more importantly just saying “thank you” for the service and sacrifice that the members of the Armed Forces make for the sake of their country.
Travis Henry served for 12 years as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He followed the footsteps of his father and other family members who also joined the armed forces. To him, Veterans Day is about realizing the sacrifice that every soldier makes when they join the military, sacrifices such as time spent away from family, risking their lives in war, and often times returning only to find themselves homeless.
“Veteran’s Day isn’t important to me, because I know what I did,” said Henry who resides in Atlanta, Georgia. “It’s important for Americans that don’t know the sacrifices our veterans went through by leaving their families and protecting this country. I want them to acknowledge a veteran next time and lift him or her up just by saying thank you. A lot of our veterans go to war and come back to be homeless without help, while everyone around them go on with their normal lives.”
Henry is currently a Military logistics analyst for the Department of Defense.
(Eagle News Service)