Ian Matz ’14
\nEE Staff Writer<\/p>\n
Coming up around the corner is one of our nation\u2019s most cherished days on the calendar. November 11th is celebrated as Veterans Day, a date dedicated to those who have sacrificed so much for their country. Even with the United States government coming out of a recent shut down, the city of Washington D.C. will carry out its annual Veterans Day events.
\nThe holiday was established in the early twentieth century to celebrate the end of World War I, formerly known as \u201cthe War to end all wars.\u201d Each year since, parades, public speaking, and ceremonies take place all over America on this special day in honor of those who have fought to protect our way of life. Most citizens attend local events, but few bother to check the happenings in our nation\u2019s capital on Veterans Day.
\nThe beginning of the D.C. day on November 11th, 2013, kicks off in the outskirts of the city. A wreath laying ceremony is held at the World War II memorial early in the morning. Former soldiers and their families gather here on 17th street to witness a ceremony in honor of those men who served their country in the 1940s.
\nThe site features a central fountain surrounded by stone tablets with the names of those who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War. At night the memorial is illuminated by lights in and around the fountain that depict the valor of soldiers who fought for their country.
\nSenior Tom Baccaro of Trumbull High School shares his thoughts about Veterans Day and the WWII memorial.
\n\u201cLast summer I was in Washington D.C. and visited the World War II memorial,\u201d Baccaro reflected. \u201cIt was honestly one of my favorites, and, even though it was not Veterans Day, I felt a strong connection to my country\u2019s former and current soldiers. I\u2019m sure the November 11th ceremony there is something to experience at least once in your life.\u201d
\nTwo hours later, at 11:00 A.M., the day continues with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary.On the other side of the Potomac River lies one of our country\u2019s most special burial grounds. Some of America\u2019s most influential leaders and veterans have been put to rest here in Virginia. The cemetery spans over 600 acres and a few hundred thousand veterans are buried here, making it one of our country\u2019s most significant burial grounds.
\nBen Smilen, a University of Rochester student who has recently returned for his second year, feels there is something to be said about the national cemetery in Virginia.
\n\u201cTo be buried in Arlington is the ultimate honor. Those who sacrifice the most of themselves are the ones who find their way to these grounds,\u201d said Smilen. \u201cI have never been to Arlington National Cemetery, but it\u2019s on my list of places to visit, especially on a day such as Veterans Day. I\u2019m sure the wreath lying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is very emotional.\u201d
\nFollowing the ceremony at Arlington is yet another wreath laying and public speaking for those who served in Vietnam. At 1:00 P.M., the public pays tribute to those who fought not only in this conflict but also in other wars throughout the 20th century.
\nThe Vietnam Veterans Memorial lies on Constitution Ave and Henry Bacon Dr. NW. It features two connected stone walls that span a little less than 250 feet near the National Mall. On the wall are the names of the Americans who fought, died, and went missing during the conflict in the 1960s and \u201870s. It attracts around 3 million visitors each year, and on Veterans Day people flock from all over the country to see the site.
\nAndrew Levine, a resident of Great Neck, Long Island, has two uncles who served in the Vietnam War. When asked about the Vietnam memorial, he shared his thoughts.
\n\u201cI am lucky to still have my uncles today, but other families aren\u2019t as fortunate. Vietnam was a horrifying war,\u201d said Levine. \u201cThe best thing the United States can do is honor those who fought in that war. Hopefully one day I can take a trip down to D.C. and see the Vietnam memorial for myself.\u201d
\nAll day on November 11th, ceremonies will be held across the country, but Washington D.C. in particular makes Veterans Day a day to remember. The ceremonies at Arlington, the WWII Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial are only a few of many events that take place in our nation\u2019s capital on this day of rememberance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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