Remembering All on Veteran’s Day!
Happy Veteran’s Day!!!
Today I’m truly honored to be a Marine Corps Veteran. Veteran’s Day was always one of my favorite holidays as a child. I remember how special it felt to celebrate with my grandfather, a WWII veteran. I was always eager to hear my grandfather’s stories and experiences while serving in defense of our great nation. When he would share his memories, he would always talk about the good times, keeping some of the truths from me. It is not always easy to be a service member, as I know now. I understand his approach and follow in his footstep now as a father of two little girls.
We celebrate today, those individuals who decided to put the nation’s interest before their own. What is a Veteran? Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” A veteran is any man or woman who served in the military during times of peace and or war.
Upon enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, I never thought I would be so happy sharing Veteran’s day with our children reflecting on the actions of our brave men and women in uniform. I have been blessed since separating in 2004, to spend every Veteran’s day talking about my time in the military to school children. It is heart-warming to be able to continue this tradition this year. I’m lucky to live in a community that reaches out to veterans. I was graciously invited to attend a ceremony at my oldest daughter’s school this morning. I felt so humbled and yet proud to have served my country as I walked into my daughter’s school. We were greeted with an amazing breakfast and gift bag for our service, before walking into the school gym for a school celebration. The children made thoughtful cards for all the veterans. The teachers and staff talked about what it meant to be a veteran and announced each veteran. The kids performed their poems and songs, which almost made some of us cry. I was beside myself, to see my daughter’s smile as she gazed at all of us. I am truly a proud and happy man! Thank you to all my fellow Veterans, for your commitment and sacrifice. America thanks you!!!
From veterans everywhere, we thank you for remembering all of us that served and for those still serving. God Bless America! Semper Fi!!!
