Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day Reflections

November 11 is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s Veterans Day — a day rich with meaning: freedom, patriotism, sacrifice, and service. For me, it embodies all these sentiments and so much more. As Americans, it’s vital that we never forget the significance of this day, a pointed reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have honorably served our nation in both wartime and peacetime.

The Historical Significance Of Veterans Day

The importance of November 11 is rooted in history. The fighting of World War I — often referred to as “The Great War” — came to a halt on this day in 1918, when an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This moment marked the end of what was then considered “the war to end all wars.” Veterans Day is thus observed on November 11 every year, preserving the memory of this pivotal moment in history, regardless of the day of the week.

Our veterans, both living and deceased, have made profound sacrifices. They left their families, faced perilous conditions, and endured personal hardships to safeguard our freedoms. We owe these courageous men and women more than mere gratitude; we owe them our unwavering support and commitment to their well-being.

Our Commitment To Veterans & Active-Duty Service Members

At our cooperative, we are proud to have veterans and active-duty service members within our team. We actively recruit these individuals, recognizing the invaluable skills they honed in the military — adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership under pressure. These qualities seamlessly translate to success in our mission, whether in the field or in administrative roles. We deeply appreciate the unique experiences they bring to our team and are dedicated to supporting them as integral members of our cooperative family.

We also acknowledge the ongoing sacrifices of active-duty service members who juggle military responsibilities with civilian careers. We are committed to providing them with the resources and support necessary to excel in both roles.

I invite you to read this month’s Faces, Places & Voices of PVREA story to learn about Mike Kroells, a First Sergeant in the U.S. Military with the South Dakota Army National Guard and Construction and Maintenance Supervisor at Poudre Valley REA. Mike joined the South Dakota Army National Guard in 2001 and has served in Afghanistan, participated in training missions along the southern border, and traveled extensively throughout South America, Europe, and various states in the U.S.

Our dedication to veterans and active-duty personnel extends beyond the walls of our cooperative. We actively support organizations that offer services and resources to military members and veterans, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.

This Veterans Day — and every day — we honor the invaluable contributions of those who have served our country. Empowering veterans and active-duty personnel is not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege. Through employment opportunities, community engagement, and continuous support, we strive to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.