Veterans Day, November 11, is a day to give thanks to veterans for their service and sacrifice to protect our nation and our freedom, but how can we help veterans past veterans day? Veterans day originated from Armistice Day that started on the 11 hour of the 11 day of the 11 month in 1918. This day marked the end of the major fighting of WWI. Armistice Day would later come to be
known as Veterans Day. Science Teacher D.C. Randle grew up with a veteran in his home. His brother, Terry Pratt, suffered from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), paranoia, and shell shock. Randle said that war changes who you are, your personality and perception of life. “You start to feel bad for your brother,” said Randle. “You know he can’t rest or sleep.” This lack of sleep was from waking up at night remembering the war and even believing he was still there. Randle was often woken up by these episodes because they shared a room. Later in life, Randle debated joining the service himself. However, when he told his mother she grew angry with him. “She already lost one baby, even though he was alive and home,” Randle recalled. “He took life one day at a time”
Post-war effects on both the brain and body not only impact a person, but also the people around
them: parents, siblings and friends. There are local and national charities dedicated to the research and recovery
of veterans after war. There are some great local charities like the Minnesota Military Family Foundation (MMFF), which donates 99 percent of their proceeds to veterans and their families according to Terrence Palmer, a member of MMFF. They reduce costs by only buying minor office supplies. Bill Popp, the president, runs the website free of charge. Another charity, WarDogs: Making It Home, takes a unique approach to helping PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and rescued dogs. The dogs help the veterans recover and the veterans give the dogs a new home.
Economics teacher Bo Stevens is an Army veteran himself and has a different outlook on Veterans Day. “Respect people in uniform now,” he said. “Don’t thank me, thank them.” Stevens served two years in the armed forces and his sons also served in the Navy and  Marines. Theyare both now veterans themselves. Despite Steven’s selfless perspective on having served, he carries great pride in having served his nation. On a more local level, the Madrigal singers and part of Wind Ensemble went to St. Francis VFW for a breakfast celebration to sing and play for the event. Mike Starr, who organized the event, invited the groups and was very appreciative. Luke Warren, the choir director, hopes this will lead to another performance at the VFW and that it will lead to something bigger.