You may or may not have celebrated Veteran's Day this year, but every year the same questions still come to mind. Where does this holiday come from? What does it mean to me? Finally, what does this holiday mean to non-veterans?

Veteran's Day is suppose to be a day when we, the citizens of this great nation, honor our veterans and victims of all the wars in our history. It was originally called Armistice Day. The armistice was established on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 between the Allied nations and Germany after World War I. This day is generally called the end of "the war to end all wars."

Growing up in public schools, we would have received news from teachers, parents, or guardians that we have no school. This day among other holidays, is more then just the benefit of not having school. I did not understand the true substance of this day until the age of about 12 when I lost my father to Iraq.

Thinking back now, it is difficult to not wonder how non-veterans see this day. See the benefits of no school, no work (depending on where you work), and having the ability to celebrate this time with family and friends. Go for it! Being an Army Brat, my hopes for people reading this, is that with celebrating the day off, just remember why you're celebrating this holiday. It will always be more than a day off. Remember your fellow citizens, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends who are committing the ultimate sacrifice. Don't let it make you sad, remember why they are out there. Enjoy this this day, and celebrate.