Moriah Barber
Moriah Barber
America, Our Guiding Light
9th Grade
When I think about the freedoms we have in this country, I know that it’s because of the sacrifices of veterans. Veterans are the men and women who served in the military and worked very hard to protect our country! They gave up a lot so we can live freely and safely with loved ones. Honoring them is NOT just something we should do on Veterans Day; it’s something we should do EVERY DAY because our lives wouldn’t be the same without them.
People in the military have many different jobs. Some serve in combat, protecting the country on the front lines. Others work in support roles, like medics, mechanics, engineers, or pilots! Each role is important because the military can NOT function without teamwork. Even though their jobs might look different, they all share the same mission: to defend our nation and keep people safe.
Veterans sacrifice way more than most people realize. They leave behind their families, friends, and the comfort of home to serve in tough and sometimes VERY dangerous places.
For me, this topic is perfect because both my mom and dad were in the military! Specifically, the Air Force! My dad JUST retired this year, which is so cool! I’ve seen and heard about how hard they both worked and how much they gave of themselves. When I thank them, it’s not just for being great parents, but also for taking care of our country!
Knowing that they served makes me feel proud and encourages me to work hard and not take the freedoms I have for granted. Sometimes I can be so ungrateful because I don’t get the things that I want, and I completely forget to have gratitude towards the people who are spending their lives taking care of me.
Honoring veterans is about remembering the cost of freedom and appreciating the people who made it possible. I thank God for giving us people who are willing to give their all to help us live in peace. I am proud to say my parents are veterans, and I thank them, along with every veteran, for their service and sacrifice.