On Nov. 11, people across the United States will stop to honor the men and women who have served in the military, recognizing their sacrifices and courage on Veterans Day. At Aliso Niguel High School, students and teachers alike are reflecting on what this national holiday means and why it’s important to continue celebrating it in today’s world.
Veterans Day has been observed since 1919, marking the end of World War I, and over time has grown into a day that honors all who have served. For many Americans, it’s more than a day off; it’s a moment to express gratitude to those who risked their lives for the country’s freedom.
One person who understands the meaning of this day deeply is Mrs. Murphy, a local veteran and teacher here at Aliso. Murphy served as a combat medic in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1992, working in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and San Bernardino, California. For her, Veterans Day is both personal and appreciative.
“For me, it’s kind of a celebration of my grandfathers who were also in the military,” Murphy says. “One of them fought in World War II and was actually at Pearl Harbor the day it got bombed. I always think about him and what he went through.”
Murphy’s family has a long history of military service. Although her family used to celebrate Veterans Day together every year, this year she’s marking the occasion a little differently. “I’m taking my daughter on a trip,” she said. “It’s an all-female motorcycle event, and it’s something I’m really excited about. It’s a way to honor women veterans, too.”
While her celebration looks different this year, Murphy believes the true spirit of Veterans Day is about national pride and remembering the people who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy.
“I think people just need to be more supportive of our country in general,” Murphy said. “A lot of people gave their lives for our freedoms, and I think people have lost sight of that.”
Another veteran and staff member, Mrs. Whiteside, shared her own experiences and thoughts on what this holiday means to her. Whiteside served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1996 as a truck driver, learning to operate everything from jeeps to 18-wheelers. “I worked in the Transportation unit for the Army Reserve,” she said. “I actually learned how to drive stick through the Army’s truck driving school.”
For Whiteside, Veterans Day holds deep personal meaning. “To me, it means acknowledgment, really,” she said. “It’s a day people do value. I carry Army values with me everywhere and I live a life of service.”
When it comes to how she recognizes the day, Whiteside said, “I have often visited several memorial sites with my husband, who’s also a veteran, and we pay our respects to people who have also served but lost their lives. Another simpler thing I’ll do is a post about the day.”
She also offered advice on how others can show their appreciation. “I think just showing appreciation and just saying thank you for serving,” Whiteside said. “We value our country and honor our duty. Just having people appreciate and acknowledge what we do.”
Veterans Day also reminds the younger generation of the importance of empathy. Behind every uniform is a person with a story, and remembering those stories helps students connect the past to their present lives.
For schools like Aliso Niguel, honoring Veterans Day continues to be a vital tradition. It serves as a reminder that freedom isn’t free; it’s protected by the bravery of those who came before.
