Law students, veterans emphasize importance of Veteran’s Day

Many students view Veteran’s Day as just a break from the
everyday hectic life of school and work.

But to those who have actually served in the armed forces, this
upcoming Monday holds more significance.

Like a number of students, J.D. Henderson, a second-year law
student, originally enlisted in the Army during high school to help
fund his college education.

Henderson enlisted for what he thought was only a two-year
commitment to pay for college.

“I ended up loving it so much that I re-enlisted
immediately,” Henderson said.

Phillip Carter, also a second-year law student, enlisted in the
ROTC program as an undergraduate. In search of a challenging
opportunity after college, he joined the military immediately after
graduating.

“I was in charge of thirty military police
soldiers,” said Carter. “We did a mix of field stuff
where we were combat soldiers and not field stuff where we were
cops.”

Henderson began his career with the Army as a private, then
climbed the ranks to become a corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant,
lieutenant and captain.

Though he declined to to comment on any possible past war
experiences, Henderson did say the Army has played a positive
influence in his life.

“The leadership I had in the army was inspiring,”
said Henderson. “From the day I enlisted, I had people
committed to making me a better human being than I was before and
that’s continued.”

“It’s made me a more committed citizen. I understand
more about our republic and what it is to be a citizen of a
republic,” he said.

When his time with the Army was over, Henderson decided to go to
law school at UCLA.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, a larger focus has been placed on the U.S.
military’s role in the war on terrorism. Although he served
in the Army, Henderson believes it is more important to concentrate
on attacking terrorism rather than on waging war.

“I’m not a policy maker, I’m not an expert,
but right now it strikes me as not a good idea,” he said.

“Americans like their wars like their football games. They
want them to start on time, they want them to end on time, and they
hate a tie,” Henderson added.

Despite his personal views on war, Henderson emphasized the
importance of recognizing veterans on Monday.

“If you don’t bother to thank veterans, then
you’re giving an impression that people shouldn’t be
respected and thanked for their service, and eventually people
won’t feel the need to serve as veterans or marines,”
he said.

“When that happens our nation will cease to exist,”
he added.

Henderson will spend Veteran’s Day with his family,
remembering the friends he has lost over the years.

Carter, on the other hand, plans to spend Monday camping at
Joshua Tree National Park.

Carter said Monday should be a day to thank the veterans, living
or dead, that have helped make this country what it is today.

“I think people should take Veteran’s Day to thank
those Americans who have served in uniform, and use this day to
encourage service for future generations,” he said.
“Whether you do that with a barbecue, watching football, or
going out with friends is all up to you.”