Veterans Day 2025: Honoring Those Who Served

As part of our Upper School Town Hall today, I had the privilege of speaking with our students about the meaning of Veterans Day. I want to share those remarks with the broader Colorado Academy community as we reflect together on the importance of honoring those who have served.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” when, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, guns fell silent across Europe. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor not just those who fought in that conflict, but all who have served in the United States military.

It’s important to note that Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives in service to our country. Veterans Day honors all who have served—those who returned home and continue to live among us as neighbors, colleagues, mentors, and family members.

I know some of you might be thinking, “Why does this matter to me? These wars happened before I was born.” Let me tell you why it matters.

First, freedom isn’t automatic. You wake up every morning able to speak your mind, practice any religion or none at all, pursue any career, criticize your government without fear—these aren’t universal human experiences. They’re protected rights that people volunteered to defend. Whether or not we agree with every military decision our nation has made, we can honor the men and women who believed in protecting the principles of liberty and justice that define our country.

Second, these are real people from our community. Here at Colorado Academy, we have faculty and staff who have served, and there are millions of veterans across the country. They aren’t distant historical figures—they’re our neighbors, mentors, family, and friends, people you pass every day.

Third, the cost is higher than you might think. Over 40 million Americans have served in the military throughout our history. More than 650,000 died in combat. But beyond those numbers are the veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs, and struggles to readjust to civilian life. Some veterans return home to find it hard to get jobs, deal with their mental health, or reconnect with their families. When we honor veterans, we’re also committing to support them.

Think about your life right now—your friends, your freedom to choose what you do each day, your ability to question authority, your plans for the future. Now imagine putting all of that on pause—or giving it up entirely. Imagine being 18 or 19, barely older than you are now, and being sent halfway around the world to a place where people are actively trying to kill you.

Veterans gave up control over their lives. They followed orders even when they disagreed. They missed births, weddings, and funerals. They watched friends die. They made split-second decisions that would haunt them forever. And they did this for an idea—the idea that what we have here is worth protecting.

So what do we do with this one day a year?

Take a moment to understand. If you know a veteran, thank them. Not in a forced way, but genuinely. A simple “thank you for your service” means more than you’d think. Better yet, listen to their stories if they’re willing to share.

Support veterans year-round. Many veterans’ organizations need volunteers. Food banks, organizations that help homeless veterans, groups that pair veterans with service dogs—there are countless ways to help beyond just November 11.

Remember that disagreeing with war doesn’t mean disrespecting veterans. You can believe in peace, question military decisions, and still honor the individuals who served. In fact, many veterans themselves become advocates for peace because they’ve seen war’s true cost.

Educate yourself. Learn about the wars that shaped our world. Talk to veterans in your family or community. Understand that history isn’t just dates and battles—it’s human beings making impossible choices under unimaginable pressure.

Today, we honor them. And tomorrow, we carry their example forward by serving others, standing for what is right, and living with gratitude for those who have protected our shared ideals.