Reynolds High honors local veterans

PORTLAND, Ore. - Veterans filled the halls of Reynolds High School on Thursday to share their experiences with students and hopefully leave an indelible impression about what Veterans Day is all about.

Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan were invited to spend some time with students for 'Living History Day.'

Some veterans visited classrooms to talk about their lives in the military and others gave formal presentations inside the school's auditorium or gym.

"Their stories are really emotional and they touch you, they really touch you," said Chris Bickford, a student at Reynolds High School who is part of the student leadership program that helped put on the event. This was the second annual Living History Day at Reynolds High School.

• View photos from last year's event

Several local schools put on special events for Veterans Day. We also stopped by Heritage High School in Vancouver this week as students there honored those who have served.

• View the photos from Heritage High

About Veterans Day

We have President Woodrow Wilson to thank for declaring a day to honor veterans. He did so in 1919 and said "to us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

It wasn't until 1938, however, that Veterans Day (or Armistice Day as it was originally called) became a legal holiday.

• For more on the history of Veterans Day
• For a list of local Veterans Day events