History
On Nov. 11, 1919, U.S. president Woodrow Wilson issued a message to his countrymen on the first Armistice Day, in which he expressed what he felt the day meant to Americans. This announcement, one year after the unofficial end of World War I, was the first honoring of what would become Veterans Day. People across the world reflected upon and gave respect to veterans who had passed in what was then known as the Great War. In the century since, the holiday has expanded to honor those who have given not just their lives, but time and effort in service of their country.
Taylor Tracy: A day of recognition, a lifetime of respect
“I personally don’t ‘celebrate’ Veterans Day, but it is a day everyone should recognize and use to reflect on what veterans have done for our country. My father is an Air Force veteran and my grandfather is a war veteran, and I’m grateful for all they have done for this country and for my family. I grew up understanding and respecting that my father and grandfather served this country and celebrated that more than just on a specific day each year.
My recognition and respect towards this day has not intersected specifically with quidditch, but that doesn’t mean this holiday is separate from this sport. I want to thank all veterans (and even current active members of the armed forces) who are playing now, or have ever played quidditch for their service, and am happy to know they have found joy in the sport. Whether their service is public knowledge or not, they still deserve respect and honoring, as all past and present veterans have earned.
If I had to sum up how I feel about Veterans Day, I would say, ‘We don’t know them all, but we owe them all’. It may be hard to see or explain how veterans or even active members of the armed forces affect your day to day, but they are more than deserving of honor, gratefulness and respect. As a military brat and beater on both San Antonio Soldados and Texas Hill Country Heat, I wanted to take time out and say thank you.”
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