What It Means to Be a Veteran

Several years ago, when my son was in grade school, I was honored to represent the Marine Corps at a Veterans Day celebration. The school asked the children to invite relatives who were veterans to join in the celebration. A member from each branch was asked to respond to the question “What does it mean to be a veteran?” Here was my response:

Many brave Americans that came before me did their part to secure and protect the freedom we hold dear. To me, being a veteran means that, in some small way, I have done my part to ensure those liberties for the next generation. It is with pride that I now watch as other young Americans step forward to serve my beloved country.