Local veterans comment on Veterans Day over the years

Sunday’s Veterans Day marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Over the years, there have been many services and ways to pay respect to Veterans who have either given their time or life in the armed forces.

There have also been many generations of military personnel who have contributed to serving the country.

Whether there is a person who directly served in the military or has a family member in the service, many traditions of Veterans Day has been passed down.

Henry Langston, a U.S. Navy veteran remembers the opportunity to be able to see various islands and countries during his deployment.

He loved the opportunity to learn about different cultures and people .

Langston has seen a growth in Veterans Day celebrations over the years.

When asked why it is important to recognize Veterans Day in years to come, he said, “I believe in this country, I believe for the veterans who gave their life for the privileges we have today, and not to take it for granted.”

Langston encourages those who are remembering those who served to “never forget.”

Tom Mills an Air Force veteran, went into service after high school to pay for his college tuition.

Mills believes that something that has changed since the early 70’s is how the military is treated.

“Well I think now the military is treated better, back in Vietnam Veterans come back, it was kind of rough on them, they weren’t treated very nice when they came back, it’s a lot better now.”

He thinks that Veterans Day remembrances are more open, “I think more people are more proud to say that they are a Veteran than they were then,” Mills said.

Mills believes Veterans Day is important for Veterans so they don’t feel alone and forgotten, “especially for the ones who were injured or who came back with PTSD, it helps to have support,” he said.

On the other end of the spectrum, two younger military personnel told me that remembering veterans is important no matter your age or whether or not you have served in the military.

Nancy Garcia Hernandez volunteers at the American Veterans KWVA post 330 on the weekends.

She enjoys serving the people who have served the country.

Hernandez believes there is a sense of family when she is able to be around a group of veterans and their loved ones.

“Even if they are not serving right now, they understand what we do every day, when I grow up and when I get to an old age, I am going to still be in a family.”

Hernandez believes it is important for the community to know the sacrifices the military makes for the country.

Wyatt Comings has been serving in the Marine Corps for over a year now.

“It’s a lot of hard work that you have to put in,” Comings said.

Comings also volunteers his time to serve veterans and wants the younger generation to be able to appreciate all of what veterans have done for our country.