Rette Speight

Some high school students urged lawmakers Friday to pass a bill to close public schools to observe of Veterans Day.

"The students got riled up about it," said Huff, a sophomore. "We were just talking about veterans, and someone mentioned why we don't have the day off."

"We took it to the school board, and they told us to take it here," Nelson said. "Veterans Day really hits close to home to so many students."

Nelson is a senior who recently joined the National Guard.

Though the committee approved the bill, some of the House of Representatives education committee members were a bit skeptical.

"I know the cost of veterans and what they have given their life for because I grew up without a father," said Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay.

Even with a veteran father, Moss said she feels the schools should honor the veterans with some sort of ceremony or assembly.

Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman and the sponsor of the bill, said that the point is to prove that the day is a sacred day.

Huff and Nelson believe that students really will take the time to honor veterans by attending the various events held on that day, talking to veterans and supporting them.

"There will be kids who sleep and go skiing and other things, but for those who really take the time to celebrate it, it means the world to them," Nelson said.

The bill was passed by the committee in an 8-3 vote, and now moves to the House floor for debate.