After World War I, when all fighting ceased on Nov. 11, 1918, the day became known as “the war to end all wars”. Because of this incident, Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 annually, in recognition of soldiers’ service. 

Veterans Day’s purpose is to show support for all those that fought and died in wars. The yearly celebration pays tribute to the bravery soldiers displayed on the battlefield and honors patriotism throughout America.

Within the Green Hope community, there are many veterans in various teaching departments. Dr. Jerry Sarchet, a ninth grade social studies teacher, is one such veteran who served in the Army.

When asked what Veterans Day meant to him, he responded, “I appreciate Veterans Day as a celebration for all those that served before us and that give us the freedoms the public has today.” 

While joining the military is not for everyone, Dr. Sarchet explained the benefits of joining for himself. “I wanted to go to college and I didn’t have any money to pay for it, so the military was kind of perfect and an easy way to go. It proved to be beneficial because now I have three college degrees that I didn’t have to put any money towards,” he said.

He elaborated on the benefits he received from his time in the military. “I was serviced and I went to Iraq so I got a GI bill for that which led me to be able to get a Masters, a bachelors and a doctorate pretty much entirely paid for,” he said. 

A GI bill is a piece of legislation that supports people in the military in paying for their undergraduate and graduate school education, and responsible for placing members into training programs. 

Dr. Sarchet’s father and grandfather both served in the army, which he recalled as a driving force in his desire to join. “Fighting for the country made me realize that I could give to something higher than just myself, I loved contributing to something bigger than me,” Dr. Sarchet said. “The thing that stuck with me the most was working as a team. You become extremely close to the people you join with. That’s why it’s so important to honor veterans. It reminds the community of what they’ve done, but also it reminds actual veterans to reflect too.” 

In the area surrounding Green Hope, many memorials and services were constructed in order to honor veterans from the Triangle. 

This year, guest speaker Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Helen Nelson was invited to speak at Veterans Freedom Park, in an annual recognition of the major sacrifices that veterans make. In Raleigh, Verena in Bedford Falls hosts a yearly ceremony that allows guests to tour Verena while honoring military people for their service. Additional gatherings are held in locations such as Veterans Park in Holly Springs. 

Traditions similar to the ones in Wake County originated over one hundred years ago and continue to carry on today. The celebration of Veterans Day allows everyone, including those in the military, to pay their respect to those that fought for America in the military, as well as those that continue to do so today.