On November  11, students and staff celebrated Veterans Day during the annual Veterans Day breakfast. The event was held in Room 117 and was organized by the Radford Parents, Teachers, and Students Association (PTSA)  to honor and celebrate all those who are enlisted into the military or have served in the past. One of Radford’s very own veterans is JROTC teacher Commander Romelda Sadiarin, who spoke about what the day means to her.

“Serving my country and doing my best, it’s been an honor to serve and inspire the next generation,” said Sadiarin.

During the event, the Hickam spouse club presented guest speakers, and a slideshow of all the attendees. Guests were treated to a tasty breakfast prepared by the year two culinary students. Freshman Parker Hamrick and his dad attended the event, his dad leading the prayer before the meal. Parker spoke about what he thought of the event.

“I really enjoyed it and I think it was a great opportunity for the parents specifically to have a warm welcome and learning a bit more about our school,” he said.

Veterans were also celebrated throughout the week with the NJROTC cadets visiting the U.S.S. Parche on the morning of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day has always, and will always be an important event for Radford given our large military percentage among students. Many of Radford’s students celebrate the federal holiday  due to parents or other family members being enlisted into the military, or retired.

 Veterans Day has been celebrated since the end of World War I. It is celebrated on the 11th of November because a treaty between our allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Therefore November 11th. Ever since that day, November 11, 1918 has generally been regarded as “the war to end all wars” Originally it was called Armistice day, until President Eisenhower rededicated the day as Veterans day, wanting to encourage Americans to cause peace and honor.