November 11, 2002
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What are you thoughts on celebrating a day like Veterans' Day?

Its a nice thought but it doesn't really effect me.

Stephanie, 25
TX USA

Veteran's Day started out as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I at 11:11 on November 11. The US has expanded it into a day honoring all veterans, and, really, no longer treats it as anything other than a minor holiday, which closes government and schools, but is mostly
ignored by businesses. I would favor something like the moment of silence that is kept in England at the appropriate time.

Jane, 63
West Linn, OR USA

I'm not sure it counts as celebrating. . .It's one of those holidays that has very little to do
with me, because nobody I'm very close to (at least, no one I can think of) has lost a limb or a life in a war. So it's just a day off, for me.

Karen, 23
Ames, IA USA

Veteran's Day's okay. And Memorial Day. And Labor Day. And President's Day. What am I forgetting? But I think that's enough. It sometimes seems like we make up holiday's just to get off work.

Judy, 62
Easton, KS USA

I agree with it. My Uncle was in Vietnam and it's good to have a day to remember our country's hero's.

Ashley, 20
Jacksonville, FL USA

I believe this is a MOST important day, though our veterans should be kept in mind and appreciated all the time.

Fisch, 47
Preston, CT USA

I don't think about it much because we don't get the day off from work and I don't have any relatives who served in the Armed Forces.

Cathie, 53
Novi, MI USA

The eleventh of the eleventh is the most important remembrance day we have. I wouldn't call it celebrating, though.

Aly, 17
Cardiff UK

I don't know that I celebrate it, but I do give thanks for the people who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom that I enjoy. In particular I think of my father who served in two wars and made the military his career.

Laura, 37
Lowell, MA USA

I have to admit that my current way of life is a result of many folks who have died before me fighting to preserve it. I may disagree with our government at times or an individual's willingness to join the military, but how can I fault someone who is willing to fight and die for something they believe it? Espeically if I have personally benefitted. Would be nice thought if we could celebrate a Peace day instead.

Felicia, 36
Lowell, MA USA

I only celebrate it when I'm with my stepdad because he's a veteran. But I do think it's necessary to honor those who served in the armed forces and were actually at war because they are truly
American heroes. My stepdad isn't just an American hero; he's my family's hero as well. I think it takes a special kind of person to be a veteran.

Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH USA

I think we owe it to all those men and woman who have served our country.

Tam

I wish there would be some kind of big celebration for Veteran's Day as these guys faced danger each day and in some cases gave their lives so that America could remain free. The way it is now, all it is is a day off work. We completely overdo the 'celebration' of Christmas and don't celebrate most of the others at all.

Reba, 57
Gaithersburg, MD USA

I am very much in favor of celebrating Veteran's Day... it's my birthday! Seriously though, I think it
is important to observe those days (Veteran's Day Memorial Day, etc...). I don't like the contrived
holiday, Valentine's Day.

Doug2, 30
Overland Park, KS USA

What do you mean? If you are asking me whether or not we should celebrate Veteran's day...well, of course we should...that goes without saying.

Vespasian, 31
Rome

I think it is good to set a day aside to honor the memory of the people who gave their lives so that we can remain free.

Janet, 45
E. Brunswick, NJ USA

I believe part of the "meaning" of Veterans' Day is that any celebration--or non celebration--is both voluntary and meaningful.

Jill, 61
Saylorsburg, PA USA

Part of me wants to be cynical about every holiday that was created apparently with the M-F, 9-5 in mind. But I know that most of those who were involved in creating the holiday as well as those who take it as a moment of reflection are veterans or family members of vets and if that part of it doesn't bother them I should probably just shut up.

Alias Irrelevante

Ok, don't shoot me...but seems like we've got like 12 holidays celebrating the same thing. Isn't that what Memorial Day is? And I'm not knockin' it, I believe in celebrating these guys a whole TON. They did so much for us and I really appreciate it. Maybe I'm missing the difference.

Triana, 29
Austin, TX USA

I think of my father who was enlisted for so many years. And then all the other men who served the country. I think about the world today and pray that my children will live to see tomorrow.

KarenNJ
Milltown, NJ USA


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