As a senior at Ohio University, Brandon Carte and Sara Jerde’s Nov. 13 column “Veterans Day ignored by students too easily,” appealed to me and I felt the need to comment.
Unless you have someone close to you in the military, most Americans go through Veterans Day without much thought. To some it is just a day off work or from classes.
I attended a high school that faithfully organized a Veterans Day Program every year. Veterans and soldiers would share their stories. We would perform no matter how nasty the weather. Yes, I was cold and sang a few times with snow spitting into my face, but I realized that a half hour of discomfort is the least I could tolerate for what our troops and veterans have endured. I had the privilege of marching in Veterans parades in New York City, in Washington, D.C., as well as in Ohio. I have had veterans approach me after performances with tears in their eyes and shake my hand in thanks.
There are many veterans on campus today pursuing educational dreams they voluntarily put on hold to defend my freedom. They deserve our thanks and recognition on their special day. College students need to remember that every day should be a day that we thank a veteran and soldier.
Andrew R. Sewell is a senior studying audio production at Ohio University.
