Honoring Veterans: Acknowledging the Many Stories Behind Service
- Jessica Schladt
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 9
Every Veterans Day, we pause to honor the people who have worn the uniform, individuals who chose to serve for countless reasons. Some joined to follow in their family members' footsteps. Others saw it as a calling to serve their country. Some sought stability, education, or opportunity. Whatever brought them to the military, each person’s journey and sacrifice holds meaning.
But service, and being recognized for it , doesn’t feel the same for everyone.
For some, wearing the title “veteran” brings deep pride and a sense of connection. Sharing photos, stories, and experiences becomes a way to celebrate that chapter of their life and connect with others who understand it. For others, however, being acknowledged as a veteran can bring discomfort, ambivalence, or even embarrassment.
That discomfort can stem from many places: grief, complicated memories, survivor’s guilt, or a simple sense that “I was just doing my job.” I myself have a family member who feels uneasy being thanked for their service because they didn’t join for recognition; they joined to serve. To them, repeated public acknowledgment feels undeserved.
Both experiences are valid.
Both deserve space.
Veterans Day is not only about gratitude but also about understanding. It’s about honoring the diversity of experiences within the military community; pride and pain, belonging and isolation, pride and quiet humility.
If you’re a veteran reading this, I hope today you can take a breath and honor your own experience, in whatever way feels right for you. There is no single way to “be a veteran” and no wrong way to think and feel about this day.
And if this day brings up complicated feelings, reflection, loss, or memories that don’t get posted online, please know that you’re not alone. Support and understanding are part of what you’ve earned, too.
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