Honoring veterans has been an issue facing the community for years now. Not only does honoring our veterans show a gesture of gratitude towards those who have served, but it is a responsibility of every American citizen to take part in helping show appreciation for their sacrifices. These veterans have helped bring security, freedom, and opportunities that we enjoy today, but they are not always recognized. The commitment and dedication from the veterans show how they have served this country, typically leaving loved ones and friends behind, to defend our country for the greater good. By honoring our veterans, we can acknowledge human sacrifices that have been made by each and every one of the soldiers who risked their lives to protect this country and ensure a safer tomorrow. One way Estero has honored our veterans was through an organized event in which people could attend and pay respects to those who have served and honor them in the way they deserved to be.

On November 8th, 2025, over 400 residents from all age ranges came to the Estero Community Park to pay tribute to all of our veterans, active military, first responders and Gold Star families. “The program included an American classic car show, military vehicles on display, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, (VEOadmin)” which gave a variety of activities for the entire family while acknowledging the veterans and seeing history from the past, like cars and weaponry. On top of that, the Estero High School Band performed many patriotic songs in honor of the veterans. Complimentary hot dogs were given out by people who donated and wanted to give back to those who have served and their families. However, more can be done to honor our veterans and show them the appreciation they deserve.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal released an article on November 10th, 2025, giving people ways to further honor the veterans in our communities. Simple things like taking a veteran out to lunch or to the park and interacting with them would show a tremendous amount of support to our veterans. Furthermore, having students at all grade levels write letters to veterans, expressing their respect and gratitude towards them is an effective way to bridge the connection between generations and create a world where people’s sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

However, the issue that has loomed over the country is the lack of acknowledgement or respect from citizens to veterans or those who are serving. Veterans have protected this country, and as citizens as a free nation, we need to thank them for all of their sacrifices. Freedom is a privilege, and it takes our active and non-active military members to keep that peace going. Having a military whose sole purpose is the protection and safety of their citizens is a blessing and something that needs to be appreciated and celebrated. Thank you for your service.

Work Cited
Bridges, C. A. (2025). Need ideas? 10 ways to honor a veteran for Veterans Day in Florida.

Daytona Beach News-Journal Online; The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2025/11/10/veterans-day-florida-how-h
onor/87197563007/

VOEadmin, & VOEadmin. (2025, November 10). Estero’s Veterans Day at the park on
November 8, 2025 – Village of Estero, FL. Village of Estero, FL.
https://estero-fl.gov/2025-11-08/

Written by Lars Ostebo, FGCU