The military veterans of the United States have done their part and more to make sure the people are able to live their lives freely. Three coaches from local schools shared their thoughts on Veterans Day and what it means to them.

Katie Dufner is the head volleyball coach for Glenburn High School. Veterans Day reminds her of her grandfather and great-grandfather.

“I feel so grateful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives to keep us safe,” she said. “I pray every day that these men and women will make it home safe and that their families will have peace.”

The head soccer coach at Magic City Campus Creighton Bachmeier began by saying that “there are not enough words of gratitude for the people that serve and defend our country.” Some of his family members served in the military, and that has had a large impact on how much he appreciates living here.

“Veterans Day is a day to pause from our fast paced society and give thanks to the men and women that have allowed us to enjoy our daily lives!”

Bishop Ryan Catholic School head volleyball coach Nick Theis had very similar views. He recalled that Veterans Day was first established upon the ending of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

One thing that Theis said that sets our troops apart from the rest is that not only do they defend their own country, but “they also defend the security and freedoms of peoples from around the globe.”

“The sacrifice made for us, by our military personnel, is not something most of us can understand,” he continued. “They miss memories, family time, the comforts of home, and all of the things that often get taken for granted by a society that is always clamoring for more.”

His grandfather served in World War II, as well as his great-aunt and uncles. Despite never having met his grandfather, Theis attributes his ability to be a teacher and a coach to his grandfather’s service.

Family members who get deployed to other countries can be gone for months or years at a time, depending on the situation in the area and what they are needed for. They may miss the birth of their own child, their child’s high school graduation, their mother’s birthday, Christmas, and the list goes on.

Some situations that soldiers are deployed to are peaceful, and others are complete warzones. They may have to spend several hours a day in the heat and being buffeted by sand. On the other hand, they may be helping a country rebuild after a natural disaster, just like they did when the earthquake struck Haiti in 2010.

“With heightened political tensions, an election year, and a national pandemic,” Theis stated of 2020, “I think it’s even more critical that we take a day to come together and celebrate the lives of these men and women.”

The military personnel of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy fight every day for the rights of everyone in the U.S. Theis said, “The greatest love someone can show is to lay down their life for another. It’s our turn to show them that we are grateful, to honor them, and to celebrate the ones who made our nation the place it is.”

Finally, Jake Stach, the athletic director of Our Redeemer’s Christian School, said his grandfather served in the army for several years, also taking part in the Vietnam War. He described his grandfather as one of the strongest people he knows.

“When you talk to him, you hear the things (soldiers) sacrifice for us,” Stach said with pride. “It’s phenomenal to think about.”

As a teacher and as an athletic director, he must relay to his students the soldiers who have, do, and will serve for the military, to take any opportunity they can to thank and honor those people.

“Veterans Day shows the importance of how much the vets give to us,” he continued. “You get to play sports and live a free life. We need to make sure they know that they’re valued and have a day in rememberence of such important people. They deserve it.”

Veterans Day has been a recognized national holiday for 102 years. Salutes have been raised, graves have been visited and flowers have been left for those who did not make it back alive. However, their sacrifices will not be forgotten. Neither will those of the living veterans who are still here to share their tales.