Veterans Day

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day and Congress later passed a bill making it an official national holiday. The day recognized the end of fighting in World War I (then known as The Great War), which as Congress noted was "the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war" in human history. Years later in 1954, after World War II, the word armistice was replaced with "veterans" in order to honor those who served in a war that required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen the world had ever seen.

Today, Veterans Day is annually observed on November 11 and is a way to focus the nation's attention on those who have served the United States. It is a celebration to honor their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Woodward Academy has 25 veterans on staff out of approximately 200 employees. That is an amazing number and something that we find pride in. A lot of Woodward Academy classes spent time today recognizing Veterans Day and we wanted to take time here to honor our veterans. Pictured is Sergeant Jason Anderson with some students from his dorm, Delta Company, in an image taken this weekend. After the break, we'll recap what some classes did to commemorate the day, and look at Anderson's military experience and reflections on Veterans Day.

Anderson wrote an essay titled "To Be an American" where he outlined his unwavering dedication to this country and his commitment to supporting veterans. Here are some excerpts from the piece:

"To me, Veterans Day is not just one day, it’s a daily inspiration. It courses through my veins and is evident in every beat of my heart. It’s a way of life and a bond of brotherhood found nowhere else on earth.  It’s being there for your battle buddy when he reaches his hand out. It’s making sure when our service members come home they are well taken care of.  It’s living my life in honor of those who are not able to and ensuring everything I do is for the benefit and betterment of others. It’s maintaining service even after service…

Veterans Day is not just a day, it’s a way of life... a life I am proud to have lived, and a life I dedicate to my family in arms.  I've seen both sides of the coin.  Its pretty good to be an American... it's pretty damn good to be a civilian. It's amazing to be an American in this country.  I've known too many Brothers that are no longer with us and will never know how sweet freedom is. I'm fortunate for this and will live the best I can for them. 

I'm proud of each and every one of you who have earned the title of Veteran. 

Your Truly Proud WA Highly Structured Program Director Jason Anderson,Former Sergeant USMC India Company 3rd Battalion 3rd Marine Division, 0311 Infantry Rifleman/0933 Marksmanship Range Coach/0931 Primary Marksmanship Instructor 1994 - 1998. Concurrently US ARMY, National Guard sergeant out of Detachment 1 Scout Platoon, Sniper Section, Senior Sniper Team Leader - 11B20 B4 - for the 1st of the 168th Infantry 2nd Brigade Combat Team 34th Infantry Division from 2007 - Present."

Here is a breakdown of what some teachers did with their classes:

Cultural Lit:  Read the book Kite Runner where the class analyzes the point when the Taliban took over Afghanistan and the atrocities that happened. Additionally, students covered the hallways with thank you notes to all of the individuals that have fought for our freedoms.

For English 9: The literature will be talking about the military in association with Pride and Prejudice, as well as about the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. They will also be comparing “A Modest Proposal” to genocide and whether preventing the harm of children is still something that people will go to war to prevent or stop.


World History: The class will be continuing to look at Ancient Greece as a military dynasty, specifically military leaders of that time period, like Pericles. This will get linked to our veterans today.

U.S. History- Looking at a "day in the life" of soldiers during the Civil War. The class will also take a look at the horrific prison camps in the south were soldiers were POWs.

Thank you to those who have served.