Veteran’s Day is a public holiday in the United States, but it’s not just any holiday. Americans take this one day on Nov. 11 every year to remember the end of World War I and to honor all United States veterans and victims of war.

The day was first known as Armistice Day in 1919. In 1989, Nov. 11 became a national holiday.

Veteran’s Day is a day to pay tribute, but more importantly, a day to give thanks to all who served their country honorably.

This Veterans Day, the San Jacinto College Central Campus Veterans Center paid tribute with a week of festivities commencing Nov. 10.

Monday kicked off the celebration with free hot dogs. Tuesday featured a ceremony in front of the campus flagpoles, while Wednesday’s event offered complimentary manicures and haircut certificates. The week wrapped up Thursday, with a day devoted to video games.

Two veterans working at the Center, Jennifer Cloud (Navy) and Travis Vidaure (Marines), both helped make these events happen.

According to Vidaure, veterans find it difficult to move into civilian life and the Center helps assist in the process.

The purpose of the Veterans Center, Vidaure says, is to “cushion the transition,” and he stresses former military members should “use the benefits they’ve earned.”

The office offers a quiet place to study with computers, a conference room, and services like education planning. “(It) is a great luxury to have,” Vidaure adds.

“Veterans gave up a lot for this country and the least we can do is give back,” Cloud says.

Vidaure further states, there are many ways to show gratitude to the men and women who served in the military.

“To show appreciation for just one day means a lot,” Vidaure says. “For San Jac to come to gather and honor veterans is the least we can do.”

Nail technician students, Sassy Vargas, Brianna Mason, and Maura Sorrentino, say they were humbled by the opportunity to give back to veterans with free massages and manicures.

In appreciation for everything they have done and still do, Vargas says, she can express her gratitude through nail care.

Vargas, Mason, and Sorrentino quietly smiled as they gave meticulous manicures to multiple visitors. The three proudly agreed, “veterans are our heroes.”