Every November 11th, Americans come together to honor the brave people who have served in the military. Veterans’ Day is not just any other day off from school or work; it’s a time to remember, celebrate, and commemorate those who have protected our country.
“Veterans Day can be a deeply personal reflection for many, as it honors the service and sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform,” Enrique Ramos, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the Director of Operations for California’s Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization said.
Inspired by the Gulf War and his family’s military legacy, Ramos joined the Marine Corps after high school, serving from 1996 to 2017. Stationed from North Carolina to Yuma Arizona, he spent most of his career in San Diego and retired in Hawaii.
“It’s meaningful because it keeps alive the memory of those sacrifices and ensures that the contributions of veterans are never forgotten,” Ramos said.
For many Veterans, being in the military provides not only a sense of honor and responsibility but also a strong feeling of belonging and support.
“The Marine Corps is like my family and the experience changed my view on life. Recently, I read Devil Dogs, a book on WWII Marines. A line stuck with me: ‘Don’t feel sorry for yourself; we are the lucky ones.’ I try to live by that and make the most of life,” Elizar Carrillo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said.
Carrillo enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2008, following a friend’s path after high school and brief attendance at Santa Rosa Junior College. He trained in San Diego and served with the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, deploying twice to Helmand Province from 2009-2010 and 2011.
“In today’s time, we need to honor those and be respectful to those that are on the front lines and pray they never have to go to war and they never have to give their blood as many others have,” Richard Levine, a U.S. Navy veteran, said.
Levine enlisted in the U.S. Navy to avoid being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and served from 1967 to 1969, first training recruits, and then tracking Russian submarines in an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) squadron. Later he became the Atlantic Fleet’s Technical Librarian, managing ASW information. Levine himself lived in Humboldt from 1974 to 1987, then moved back in 1991. After he traveled for many years, always returning back to Humboldt, in 2012 he moved to Portland, Oregon.
Honoring Veterans’ acknowledges their dedication and service, and for many, including Ramos, Carrillo, Levine, and countless others, the recognition they receive means more than words can express. Veteran’s Day is an encouragement to all to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served.
“I encourage the community to come together in support of our veterans—not just [on Veterans’ Day] but throughout the year. Whether through volunteering, advocating for their needs, or simply reaching out to say thank you, every gesture counts. Together, we can create a supportive environment that honors their contributions and helps them thrive in civilian life,” Ramos said.
