Veteran Meaning
Veteran Definition & Usage
A person who has served in the armed forces, particularly one who has had a long and distinguished career.
Examples
- "He is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War."
- "The veterans gathered at the memorial to honor their fallen comrades."
- "The parade was a tribute to all military veterans who served their country."
- "Many veterans return to civilian life with a deep sense of camaraderie and service."
- "After retiring, the veteran became an advocate for military families."
A person who has extensive experience in a particular field, especially one who has worked for many years.
Examples
- "She is a veteran in the field of finance, having worked at the firm for over thirty years."
- "As a veteran journalist, he had covered every major political event in the past two decades."
- "The veteran scientist was honored for her groundbreaking research in environmental science."
- "The company hired a veteran designer to oversee the new product launch."
- "After years of experience in the tech industry, he became a veteran consultant."
Experienced and skilled due to long participation in a particular activity or profession.
Examples
- "She is a veteran teacher, having taught for over 40 years."
- "His veteran knowledge of the stock market made him a valuable advisor."
- "The veteran actor was praised for his incredible performance in the film."
- "The veteran athletes gave their young teammates advice on how to succeed in the competition."
- "Despite being a veteran player, he still trains hard every day to stay at the top of his game."
Cultural Context
The term 'veteran' is most commonly associated with military service, particularly in the United States, where veterans are honored on special days like Veterans Day. In addition to its military connotation, the term is often used to describe individuals with extensive experience in various fields such as entertainment, sports, and business. This broader usage acknowledges the value of long-term expertise and dedication.
The Veteran's Return
Story
The Veteran's Return
When the doors to the old veterans' hall creaked open, James felt the weight of history and time pressing down on him. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a familiar scene: rows of decorated chairs, each one for the men and women who had served before him. It had been years since he had attended a veterans' reunion, but today, something felt different. Perhaps it was the passing of time or the fact that he had just returned from a visit to the old battlefields of his youth. 'You know,' said Robert, an old friend who had been a fellow soldier back in Vietnam, 'you might be a veteran, but there's something about coming back here that makes you feel like you haven't changed a bit.' James chuckled, adjusting his veteran's cap. 'It's the memories, Robert. They don't let you forget. But it's good to see everyone. Some of us might be getting old, but the bond we share is timeless.' As they sat down, the room buzzed with stories. Everyone was a veteran, some of them with decades of service under their belts, others with just a few years. Each had their own unique tale to tell. It was clear that, while the years had passed, their experiences had shaped them all in profound ways. For some, being a veteran wasn't just about their service in the military—it was about a lifetime of lessons learned and wisdom gained. Later that day, James found himself talking to Sarah, a veteran in a different sense. 'I've been teaching at the local school for over thirty years,' she said with a smile. 'In some ways, I feel like I'm a veteran in the classroom.' James nodded. 'You know, I think that's the best kind of veteran. Someone who dedicates themselves to something and grows with it.' As the reunion came to a close, James reflected on how the word 'veteran' could mean so much, from military service to a lifetime of dedication in any field. It was a term of respect, earned through years of experience and commitment. As he walked out of the hall, James felt proud, not just of his own service, but of the countless others who had earned the title of 'veteran' in so many different ways. The hall, with its faded photographs and worn chairs, had been a reminder that every veteran—military or not—had a unique story to tell, a legacy to leave behind.
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