Veterans Day: Celebrating our Heroes

San José Public Library wishes you a Happy Veterans Day! Each year on November 11th, we honor all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally established in 1919 as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed in 1954 as Veterans Day to recognize veterans of all wars.

In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to spotlight the experience of a local hero who not only volunteered for his country but enriched his community as a Friend of the Library.

Meet Veteran Neil Miles

Neil Miles served an impressive 27+ years in the Air Force as a fighter squadron, in various locations including Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, England and Thailand.

Mr. Miles, a local Air Force veteran, and Alum Rock Branch volunteer, shares his experience and what Veteran's Day means to him.

Q: Which San José Public Library location is your home branch?
A: Alum Rock Branch Library

Q: Is that where you volunteer at?
A: Yes

Q: What does Veterans Day mean to you?
A: I think about Armistice Day. When I was growing up, they sold poppies.

Fun fact: Poppies symbolize remembrance for military personnel to raise awareness for veterans and their families. They are sold to fund current and future medical and financial needs for veterans.

Q: What was the most memorable Armed Forces training you received?
A: Flight training.

Q: Could you explain more about your experience?
A: Being in a fighter squadron was really a thrill. Going fast and maneuvering (aircrafts) was an unending roller coaster ride. Also, it was a world trip paid for by Uncle Sam.

Fun fact: A fighter squadron is a United States Air Force unit comprising of pilots and flight crews.

Q: Do you have any stories you would like to share?
A: On a dive bomb, I had to get on the stick since the Wing Commander had target fixation (he was basically blind to the fact that we were aiming for the ground at high speed). Later on the ground, he asked me what altitude I pulled out at. I responded, “Hell, Colonel, I was just turning brown (we were over the desert) to blue.” He said, “Thanks.”

Q: Is there someone you served with that you remember fondly?
A: Overall, it was my squadron mates.

Q: How would you stay in touch with relatives back home?
A: By mail.

Q: Can you describe how you felt coming home from combat?
A:
Just glad to be back.

Q: What helped during the transition from military to civilian life?
A: A commitment to do it.

Q: Do you have advice for others transitioning out of the military?
A:
Make sure the skills you acquired in the military are transferable to the position you want.

Q: Has reading helped you cope with any challenges after your service?
A: Reading has been part of my life before, after, and during my service.

Fun fact: Reading is an excellent coping strategy for reducing stress and inspiring creativity.

Veterans Day Collection

San José Veterans Parade

Celebrate our heroes by attending Northern California's largest Veterans Day Parade, honoring all who served or are currently serving their country.

When: Monday, November 11th at 12 PM
Where: Downtown San José

Volunteer at Your Library!

By signing up to volunteer at the San José Public Library, you become an essential part of an institution that promotes education and enriches lives. Don't miss out on this chance to:

  • give back to your community
  • make a true difference in the life of an individual
  • gain valuable experience in an environment dedicated to knowledge-sharing