ORANGE PARK – Veteran’s Day is one of the more special national holidays in the United States. It is an opportunity to celebrate the approximately 18 million Americans, including nearly 40,000 in Clay County, who served in the Armed Forces of the country.

The Historical Society of Orange Park held its annual essay contest for students between grades 4 and 12 to celebrate the contributions made by those in the service. The subject of the essay is the importance of celebrating veterans.

The day holds different significance for each person, which lent to the different tones and feelings submitted for the contest.

This year’s winners were:

Pricilla Villalta of Fleming Island High, Virginia Schaeffer of Orange Park Junior High and Cadence Bandor of Coppergate Elementary.

“My essay was basically talking about how Veterans Day is important to all people because it shows how Veterans should be honored for what they did and not just left in a corner,” said Bandor. “It’s special to us and special to me because I have a whole family of veterans. I really wanted to congratulate them, I guess.”

Bandor’s grandfather and two uncles are both veterans. According to Bandor, her grandfather served in the Navy in the Korean war. He lives with her, and they have a close relationship.

Villalta is a senior.

“My U.S. History teacher last year, she offered extra credit to enter in the contest,” said Villalta. “So I entered the contest, and I was runner-up. So I figured I would enter again this year, and I ended up winning.”

Villalta’s topic was, “What does it mean to be a veteran?” She is a Navy brat whose parents both served.

“My dad served in the Navy for 21 years and then retired,” she said. “My mom is also a veteran of the Navy; she served for about five years.”

She has taken the lessons of her parents well.

“I think to be a veteran is to have a sense of duty, compassion, bravery and camaraderie,” she said. She literally has service in her blood and is currently in the process of applying to both the U.S. Naval and Air Force academies to become a military officer.

Villalta feels that Veterans Day is significant and that veterans should be recognized for all that they do.

“Our veterans – their whole job is to protect and serve the country. Without them, we wouldn’t be as safe as we are. They make sure that our freedoms are protected and that our safety is ensured.”

Not only do these fine students recognize the importance of the day and the people it celebrates, but the Historical Society of Orange Park also takes the time to acknowledge them.