In 1954, when November 11th was officially named Veterans Day, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called upon all citizens to join hands in a common purpose – to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.”
With Veteran’s Day a national holiday on November 11, many people don’t know that the United States Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated every year on November 10 (the official found date of the Continental Marines in 1775). This year, “Mother Green” is celebrating her 238 year birthday.
Celebrating the Marine Corps birthday and Veteran’s Day has always been personal to my family. Many of my family members have served in the armed forces (Uncle Mike, Uncle John and Randy) and two of my uncles were U.S. Marines. My Uncle Butch (Harry N. Rea) served in Vietnam and received two purple hearts and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He also was a Marine Corp. Guard at the United States Embassy in Vienna, Austria. My Uncle Bobby (Robert A. Rea) also served as a Marine Combat Correspondent during the Vietnam War with Dale Dye and the Snuffies. They were amazing men and I regret that their lives ended before my boys could meet them and hear their stories.
As you honor our veterans this year, take time to thank a veteran. Also consider joining your local Veteran’s Team Member Network (TMN) or support active military through Soldier’s Angels (soldiersangels.org). As General Colin L. Powel, USA (Ret.) said, remember when you wake up on November 12, “it’s still Veterans Day for our veterans — and it will be every day of their lives.”
Thank you for letting me share,
Stacy
* Celebrating Our Heroes http://www.pbs.org/national-salute-to-veterans/home/
**Snuffies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_weq3yda920
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