HCA students were asked to write about what Veterans Day means to them. Following are a few of the winning works.

By Jordan Pinckney

11th grade

Veterans Day means something different to me than it does for most people. Having a father in the USMC gives me a different perspective of the military life. Living in this atmosphere, I learn about discipline, responsibility, and proper work ethics according to my dad. I also see someone everyday that serves for our country. It is such an honor to be able to say that my daddy fights for our freedom.

About three years ago, my dad was deployed to Djibouti, Africa for a period of eight months. It was extremely difficult to say bye to him but we had to do it. Even though he did not have to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, it still bothered me to know he was going to a country that was as awful as it was. During this period of time, he saw terrorism camps, flew helicopters, helped villages, saw children and much more. To think about how my dad helped and made a difference makes me exceptionally proud.

Veterans Day is important to me and means something different than it may mean to you. It is a day when we can honor our military and a day I can tell my dad how appreciative I am for what he does for me and my country.

By Chris Cannady

8th grade

As military forces cry out in agony

November 11 is set aside.

All the veterans are honored with glory,

Because they bled, and hurt and cried.

The badge they wear has a great meaning,

Whether Air Force, Navy, Army or Marines.

It means they love their people and country,

Enough to protect from political fiends.

This honorable day of thanks and praise,

Is a great one to remember

The Veterans of our country

Were always a contender.

By Sam Hall

5th grade

Veterans Day to me, means freedom. Freedom to go to a Christian school. Freedom to worship God. Freedom to live in a country where death is not around every corner. Freedom to choose my hobbies. Freedom to play sports without the fear of bombs going off. Freedom to vote for our leaders. Freedom to say the things that matter to me. Freedom to dress the way I want to. Freedom to read the books that interest me. Freedom to listen to the kid of music I like. Freedom to choose my friends and eventually choose my wife. Freedom is sometimes taken for granted in our country. Veteran's Day is a day to honor those who protect our freedoms. Everyday should be Veteran's Day.

By Gareth Porter

1st grade

The military fights for our safety and freedom. They try very hard to so that we don't have to fight here. I have seen on TV that other children have fighting around them. I'm sure they are scared and wish they were here or had an army like ours to help protect them. I'm sorry our soldiers have to fight. I thank God for the soldiers because I can play and not be scared. I pray for our army and for all to know God so there will be no fighting. My military heroes are my papa he protected the Berlin Wall and my great grandpa fought in World War II. I love you and thank you!