Honoring Veterans: What It Means to Serve and Be Remembered

Veterans Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a powerful reminder to honor the brave men and women who have served in the military. On this day, at Poly Languages Institute, we recognize veterans for their dedication, sacrifice, and resilience. But what does it truly mean to be a veteran?

Being a veteran isn’t just about wearing a uniform or serving in the military; it’s about a journey of courage, selflessness, and commitment to a cause greater than oneself. Many veterans, often at a young age, left behind family, friends, and familiar lives to answer a call of duty. They faced situations that tested their physical and emotional limits, adapting to new environments and enduring hardships that most civilians will never know.

For veterans, life after service can be a new journey. Many carry memories of fellow service members who didn’t return home. They live with the effects of combat, both physical and mental, and often work to find new purpose in civilian life. Veterans are more than their time in service—they’re parents, friends, mentors, teachers, and leaders who continue to shape our communities with the strength and insights they gained in the military.

On Veterans Day, we remember veterans not just for their acts of heroism but for their humanity. Let’s take time to truly listen to veterans, to hear their stories, and to understand the sacrifices they made. Whether it’s supporting veteran-owned businesses, volunteering at local veterans’ organizations, or simply showing appreciation, we all have a role in honoring veterans.

Veterans live and work alongside us every day. They are community members, teachers, and leaders who continue to serve and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Their experiences and perspectives bring unique value to our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Veterans deserve our respect, support, and gratitude—not just on Veterans Day but every day.

This Veterans Day, let’s come together to honor the service, sacrifices, and resilience of veterans. Their contributions to our country should be celebrated, remembered, and valued every day. Let’s show our veterans that we recognize and appreciate their dedication—not only in the military but in the lives they lead beyond service.

Keywords: Veterans Day, honoring veterans, veteran service, military sacrifice, supporting veterans, celebrating veterans, Veterans Day 2024, veterans in the community, veteran-owned businesses, veteran resilience

March Idioms

Although St. Patrick was the Patron Saint of Ireland, on the 17th of March, people from all over the United States have lots of parties and parades to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On this day, those of Irish descent,  or simply those with Irish pride, celebrate Ireland’s heritage on t-shirts that might say: “Kiss me, I’m Irish” or “Luck of the Irish,” bars sell green beer, and lots of people wear green and luck charms, such as shamrocks.

 

Here are some common expressions having to do with LUCK:

beginner’s luck – when a new or inexperienced person has a great success; meaning it was luck rather than skill.
Example: -“Wow, he made that shot on his first professional game ever!”
– “It was just beginner’s luck.”

you’re in luck – used to describe a good situation for another person.
Example: “You’re in luck, this was the last pair in your size and in this color!”

better luck next time –  used after minor failures when someone attempts something but can’t
succeed.
Example: “Dude, she beat me at that new video game!”
“Oh, well. Better luck next time!”

just my luck – used sarcastically to say something was very unlucky.
Example: “I skipped school to go to the beach, and just my luck: it rained all day!”

pushing your luck – to try to extend the good luck or a good situation you’ve had and risk having a negative result or losing what you have so far.
Example: “ I was chosen out of the twenty who applied for the position so I accepted with the
starting salary they offered me because I thought asking for a higher starting salary would be
pushing my luck.”

the luck of the draw – the result of chance and you have no control over
Example: “Sometimes you have to wait for hours to see a doctor in the emergency room, other times you can see a doctor in 20 minutes. It’s just the luck of the draw.” 

try your luck – try to accomplish something even though you know you may not succeed
Example: “He is going to try his luck at Las Vegas casino.”