Veterans Day is a holiday that is celebrated annually Nov. 11, honoring those who have served in any of the U.S. Armed forces.

“Veterans Day is a day of rest and reflection to think about all the people that sacrificed,” U.S. History teacher Chris Sanchez said. “To me Veteran’s Day is to recognize and honor members of the armed services who sacrificed time in their lives to protect and honor our nation’s safety,” swim coach Jesus Sandoval said.

Veterans are honored with ceremonial awards for their courageous acts in service.

Sanchez served in the Marines four years and received several awards including, Good Conduct, Meritorious Mast, Four-time Rifle Expert and Top Shooter on base (MCRD) San Diego. Sandoval served in the U.S. Navy two years and was in the Naval Reserve 20 years.

After years of service came to an end veterans have to transition to a regular life.

“I had to get used to everyone being so relaxed and people not moving fast enough,” Sanchez said. “When I got back from Vietnam, I had to adjust with sounds and noises first, then with the civilians. Not many jobs accepted the fact that I was in Vietnam,” Sandoval said.  

Even Veteran’s family members share the same feelings towards Veteran’s Day.

“My dad was in the Navy for 20 years,” junior Olivia Orozco said. “He is always sharing with us all of his crazy stories  and things he learned, so that makes me feel glad because since he did it  and a lot of good came from it, it sounds like a good thing to experience.”