On Nov. 11, the country will honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
On Veterans Day, Auburn will hold a ceremony starting at 11 a.m. at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Monument to pay tribute to the soldiers who have served.
“I think Veterans Day is a great day to remember to just be thankful for everything that we've been given and to support and honor those who have given that freedom to us,” said Madeline Graf, Auburn University junior in nursing and webmaster of the Auburn Student Veterans Association.
The sacrifices of veterans demonstrate the unwavering courage of those who serve their country. They leave behind their families and friends to protect civilians.
Kevin Couch, veteran and president of Auburn's Student Veterans Association, discussed the meaning behind the word veteran.
“I would say that the first word that comes to mind is pride. I'm very prideful and very gracious that I was able to serve my country and to be in the United States Army,” Couch said.
Public perception of veterans is complex. While many people express gratitude for their service, it's important to acknowledge that their experiences can be politicized, leading to mixed opinions.
“There's still a positivity towards veterans, just not towards the government as a whole, which kind of does affect the veteran population,” Couch said.
Many organizations take into account the necessities of the veteran community — Wounded Warriors and the Gary Sinise Foundation being two of the most popular ones.
Veteran Wayne Williams explained how these organizations help pay off mortgages, provide homes for homeless veterans and offer other forms of assistance. In some cases, this includes providing healthcare treatments, such as psychological counseling.
“The Army, or all military services, do so much to help build the infrastructure of the United States of America. It is so important that there is a community here that support our military forces. They've always protected us. They've always been there when they've been called," Williams said.
In Auburn, the ASVA creates the perfect space for all those related to the military to feel seen and heard.
Graf described the ASVA as a big family, as the association creates a sense of camaraderie. Military tend to feel like they have been pulled from society, so it is easier for them to bond with other people who have related experiences.
Talking about their experiences may be the best support they can get.
It is important to actively listen to Veterans' experiences and acknowledge their contributions. Acknowledging is another type of support.
“To share not only their story, but to share their family story […] It’s to always remember the family members and the people that are surrounding, those that are serving and how important that is more than anything else. If it wasn't for spouses and family, we probably wouldn't be able to do our job as an actual service member,” Couch said.
Veterans’ service is part of the history of the country. The support they get is an incentive to continue supporting the nation.
Auburn's Veterans Day ceremony will offer community members the opportunity to honor those who served in the military.The town's displays of respect, alongside acknowledgments of their sacrifices in defending civilians, will contribute to a meaningful observance.
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