As the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month approaches, veterans reflect on their time served. “I think about it every day, every single day,” said Gulf War veteran Charles Johnson. “After serving overseas and returning home, you really appreciate the country and the things that it has to offer,” added Charles Lanphier, a Desert Storm veteran.

Students at Acadiana High watched Friday as their Junior ROTC members performed a ceremony honoring all veterans. “Today we celebrate America’s veterans for keeping this nation the land of the free and the home of the brave,” said one ROTC member.

And veterans say that ceremonies like these are what make all of their hard work worth it. “It means a lot to veteran’s to know that people appreciate them serving their time and protecting the country,” Johnson said. And although some students don’t understand the true meaning of a veteran now, most veterans hope that one day they will. “It’s an appreciation for what an American is and that doesn’t happen overnight and it takes life experiences before you really understand the meaning of it,” Lanphier said.

Veterans Day will be observed Sunday, November 11.