Veterans Day is a time of reflection for the American people. Some may remember the life of a lost family member, while others spend time with their loved one that has served in a past American war.

Veterans Day started in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed every November 11th from then on “Armistice Day” to celebrate the end of hostilities in World War 1. In 1945, and Alabama man by the name of Raymond Weeks suggested that Armistice Day celebrate all veterans, and not just those of World War 1. On May 26, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law that replaced “Armistice” with “Veterans.”

Recently, students in World War II class, open to juniors and seniors and taught by Mrs. Jamie Hendi, were tasked with a project to interview a United States veteran.

“In my World War II class, I feel it is important to honor and appreciate our veterans,” Hendi said. “I think some students don’t fully understand what our veterans have gone through to protect us. This project gives students an inside look.”

Students talked with family members, teachers, family friends, and neighbors to gather a deeper understanding of what they did for their country.

Senior J.D. Ensor interviewed his aunt, Susan Ensor. During the Iran Revolution and Cold War, she was the Crew Chief and ran maintenance on a C-130 airship. C-130s are primarily used for troop and cargo transport, but also have other models, such as the AC-130 gunship. Ensor’s grandfather also served in the military, as a Marine during the Korean War.

Classmate Mark Danner talked with his grandmother to learn more about his grandfather Benjamin Danner’s time spent in the military. Danner served in World War II and was a Master Sergeant in the 20th Air Force. His job was to calibrate the radar systems on the famous Boeing B-29 aircraft, the “Enola Gay,” which dropped the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Danner was present for the testing of the original atomic bombs, and the 20th Air Force was involved in the top secret project to create them. He continued to serve for years after the war was over. Danner’s Grandfather passed away in 1999.

Senior Gregory Gaydosh interviewed a family friend, Jim Shaver. Shaver served in the Vietnam war for four years and was a Petty Officer, Second Class. His job was Optic Repairman. He was responsible for the repair of scopes, such as gunsights, navigation equipment, and binoculars. He was also responsible for going on supply runs deep in the jungle.

When asked what they think when they hear the words “Veterans Day,” Ensor said, “I always think about Arlington National Cemetery and the people who sacrificed their lives for our country.”

Gaydosh said,“I think about how I’m proud to have a relative who has served our country. I’m very appreciative of that.”