We will celebrate Veteran’s Day next Monday.

Veteran’s Day falls between Halloween and Thanksgiving Day, two popular holidays.

When I was younger, I viewed the holiday as getting a day off from school.

By the time I became a teenager, my perspective changed toward Veteran’s Day.

The turning point came when my older cousin enlisted in the Army. He ended up serving 15 years while stationed in various places across the world.

My two other cousins eventually enlisted in the military. One cousin’s in the Marines, the other just re-enlisted in the Navy. Veteran’s Day is important to me.

Countless high school friends have either served or is still serving in the military. I have always enjoyed them telling me their stories.

One of my favorite memories working at The Sun Herald was writing a story about Felix “Doc” Blanchard, a legendary Army running back. Blanchard won the Heisman Trophy in 1945 and helped Army win three straight national championships.

Blanchard formed one of the most famous college backfields with Glenn Davis. Blanchard and Davis were nicknamed “Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside,” leading Army to an unbeaten 27-0-1 record under coach Red Blaik. All three have statues at the Kimsey Athletic Center at West Point. Davis won the Heisman in 1946 and died in 2005.

What impressed me the most about Blanchard and Davis was their infectious service to our country during the 1940’s. They were considered the faces of the young men fighting in World War II and gave it everything they had to keep this country safe.

Blanchard graduated from St. Stanislaus Preparatory School (SSC) in 1941 and donated his Heisman to the school based in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Blanchard served in the Air Force from 1947 to 1971 and retired as a Colonel.

I enjoyed hearing those legendary stories about Blanchard from SSC employees. Blanchard died of pneumonia on April 19, 2009 at his home in Bulverde, Texas. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living Heisman winner.

I’m grateful to all military branches who work hard to keep our country safe.