November 11, 2015 will mark the sixty-first day in American history which is solely designated to honor and remember all who have served in the US Armed Forces. The celebration and dedication to US veterans seemed to be more valued in the years following US President Dwight Eisenhower’s signature on the bill to deem Veterans Day a US federal holiday; however, very sadly, it seems as though today’s American citizens have completely forgotten about the meaning and significance of Veterans Day.

Lake Stevens High School teacher Jonathan Dufay chose to serve for seven years in the United States Navy. He explained that he chose to enlist in order to escape from the town where he grew up, to see the world, and to discover his niche in life. Unhappy with the evolution, or better yet the stagnation of both Veterans Day and the care for veterans, Dufay explained, “We have not done right for our veterans for quite some time. War messes people up bad, real bad. When people come back from conflict, and they are hurting mentally and physically, we need to do more to support them, not just kick them out for doing dumb things.”

The self-spurred choice to enlist in the military can be undoubtedly difficult; however, many know that enlisting in the military is the logical action to take. Although good tends to comes from making the choice enlist, it certainly is not an easy road.

Having served in the United States Coast Guard for twenty years, LSHS teacher Robert Davis has no regrets in terms of serving in the military, but he does hold sorrow.

“Serving my country allowed me to see what I can do when posed with a challenge. My biggest obstacle to overcome was my stubbornness and street smarts, [they are] not good for military discipline. No regrets, [but] sadness because I miss my good friends.”

Serving in the US Armed Forces is a difficult job, and those who have previously chosen to serve need to be honored and recognized. Both Dufay and Davis agree on the importance of honoring all who have made the sacrifice for the betterment of the United States of America.

From this day forward, Veterans Day must be celebrated with the same amount of gratitude as it was in 1954, the year it became a US federal holiday. Dufay believes that on Veterans Day, everyone should buy a veteran a cup of coffee and listen to his/her story, as veterans have a lot to say.

Take the opportunity to thank the following veterans on staff at Lake Stevens High School: Bill Angdahl (United States Air Force), Rob Davis (United States Coast Guard), Jon Dufay (United States Navy), Mike Shephard (United States Army), Penny Therrien (United States Army), and Mike Walsh (United States Marines).