The Times

Issue date: 11/10/08 Section: News

Veterans Day celebrates the service of America's men and women in uniform, honoring them for the tremendous service and sacrifice they gave to their country.

War, a massive undertaking, involves hundreds of thousands, sometimes even millions of soldiers from distant countries clashing in a battle of skill, strategy and tactics. While the victory of war often focuses on the army that won, the United States hosts an annual holiday that honors the individual veteran over the faceless mass of an army.

"I feel it is an important holiday," Mildred Fernandez, student and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, said. "I think people involved in supporting freedom and what our country stands for is honorable."

Fernandez served five years in the U.S. Navy before her service ended in August. As a nursing student, she began attending school that same month. She said some people like to be thanked and told that they are remembered. "Not me," she added, "but others do."

According to Robert Merino, financial aid service director, 532 veterans registered for classes this semester.

The holiday went through many changes before it became what it is today. In 1918, World War I ended on what is called the three 11's, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. when Germany signed the Armistice.

Formerly recognizing an alliance with the U.S., it ended the war on the western front. That following year, President Wilson declared Nov. 11 Armistice Day, a day to honor the end of what was then known as "The Great War."

"To us in America," former President Wilson said, "the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory."

It didn't become a federal holiday until 1938 when Congress passed legislation officially labeling it "Armistice Day." Originally meant to honor World War I veterans, on June 1, 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name from Armistice Day to the more appropriate Veterans Day, and it become a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

According to the official website for the Department of Veteran Affairs, there are over 17 million living veterans in the United States with more than 1 million of these veterans in Texas.

"Texas has been very good to its veterans," Hardie Matthews, veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, said. Matthews has attended San Jacinto since 1970. When he returned to civilian life, he qualified for the Hazelwood Act, which has paid his college tuition since he began attending. At 81, he has earned more than 250 credit hours in various majors.

"We must do everything we can to recognize the sacrifice the families of our servicemen and woman have made." he said. To honor the veterans, Houston will host a ceremony at 10 a.m. on the steps of city hall at 901 Bagby St. with a parade at 11:30 a.m.

The 147th fighter wing will give a flyover in their F-16 fighters. The parade will begin at the corner of Smith and Texas and end on Lamar and Bagby.

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