Veterans Day is a time-honored holiday in the United States, celebrated annually on November 11th. It’s a day dedicated to honoring military veterans—those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a moment for all Americans to recognize the sacrifices, bravery, and dedication of our service members.
Veterans Day is a time for families across the nation to come together and honor the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. For many, this day is more than just a national holiday—it’s a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by loved ones who have served or are currently serving. From heartfelt stories of grandparents who fought in past wars to the challenges faced by modern-day military families, Veterans Day is a poignant reminder of the legacy of service that spans generations. In this post, we’ll explore what Veterans Day means to a specific family who holds this day, and these stories close to their hearts. You will meet a Colonel in the Marines and his wife. Together they led their two beautiful, resilient children through multiple deployments. This is just a glimpse into their thoughts about this day and how they celebrate, remember, and express their gratitude for their hero Colonel Robert F. May, and heroes like him across our country.
Colonel Robert F. May, USMC
“What does Veterans Day mean to me? For the first twenty-one years of my life it primarily stood as a day that was co-celebrated with my birthday. I was born on November 11th, 1971. My father was a Vietnam veteran, and we grew up around the military, but it never really resonated with me until later on in life.
Then on October 23rd, 1993, it became incredibly real to me. I was in the middle of Marine “Boot Camp” at Parris Island, South Carolina which is basic training for enlisted Marines. My senior drill instructor, SSgt White, showed up that day angrier than usual. Considering the general disposition at Marine Corps boot camp, that meant a lot. He quickly recounted the following historical fact for the day, which took place exactly ten years prior:
“On October 23, 1983, two truck bombs were detonated at buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, housing American and French service members of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF), a military peacekeeping operation during the Lebanese Civil War. The attack killed 307 people: 241 U.S. and 58 French military personnel, six civilians, and two attackers.
Early that Sunday morning, the first suicide bomber detonated a truck bomb at the building serving as a barracks for the 1st Battalion 8th Marines (Battalion Landing Team – BLT 1/8) of the 2nd Marine Division, killing 220 marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers, making this incident the deadliest single-day death toll for the United States Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II and the deadliest single-day death toll for the United States Armed Forces since the first day of the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War.”
We sat transfixed. Even more so when he told us he was there that day and a part of BLT 1/8.
Then on November 11th, 2004, it became even more real to me as I was now a “veteran” myself. I was thirty-three years old and had returned from my first combat deployment to Fallujah, Iraq two months earlier. We had had eight of our fellow Marines killed during that seven-month deployment and over 40% of the company wounded.
Now at 52, I feel grateful and lucky. Grateful for all those that have given their lives in the service of our country. Also, grateful for all those young men and women who have fought across this globe to keep this amazing democracy alive and well. Lucky that after 31 years in the Marine Corps, 9 deployments (4 to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan) I am still alive and can share this day with my family and friends as we celebrate my birthday and our veterans who continue to serve the greatest country this world has ever known.”
Dana, wife of Colonel Robert F. May
“As a Marine Spouse, Veteran’s Day is always memorable, but for our family Veteran’s Day turns into a whole weekend celebration each year. My husband is currently active duty in the Marine Corps and has been for the last 31 years.
The Marine Corps birthday happens to fall on November 10th, just one day prior to Veteran’s Day. Every year on (or around) this dates we will attend the Marine Corps Birthday ball to celebrate. This is a tradition that has us dressing up in our fanciest clothes and sharing food and drink with the Marines and families we happen to be stationed with that year.
The following day is Veteran’s Day, but it is also my husband’s Birthday. We spend this day initially celebrating my husband, but also take time to reflect all that being a Veteran means to him and our family. On this day we tend to receive messages and well wishes from fellow Marines and families we have known from our adventures all over the world. In addition to these happy memories, we also take the day to reflect on the lives lost while serving this great nation.
It is hard to describe to great amount of pride I feel every Veteran’s Day knowing I am spending it with one of the best!”
Connor, son of Colonel Robert F. May
“Veterans Day means a lot to me, especially being the son of a veteran. It’s more than just a day off school but it’s a chance to really think about what my dad and others have done for our country. I understand a little better than most kids my age (15), how much sacrifice goes into serving and it makes me proud. Veterans Day is a reminder to respect the people who put their lives on the line and for me, it’s personal. It makes me thankful not just for my dad, but for all veterans who’ve given so much to this country.”
Sandra, daughter of Colonel Robert F. May
To me Veterans Day makes me think of my dad for more than one reason. My dad is a marine that has spent his life serving our country for 31 years. On Veterans Day I feel proud to be a daughter of a hero. Since my dad is a veteran, I have been able to experience getting to see many parts of the world and met some of my best friends being stationed at multiple military bases. This experience has led for me to be very resilient. Veterans Day to me is not just about the veteran but the family and loved one of the heroes.
Cathy, sister of Colonel Robert F. May
“Veterans represent all Americans through their bravery, courage, and sacrifice. Their service ensures our freedom in this great country. I am a mom, daughter, and sister of three veterans who have and are serving our country. I am in awe of their service to something greater than themselves! To me they are not only heroes, but they are my whole heart!”
What you can do on Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, it is important to remember that the significance of this day goes beyond the ceremonies and flags. For many families, it is a deeply personal time to honor those who have served and to reflect on the legacy of those who have shown courage and sacrifice. By sharing these stories, traditions, and thinking about what this all means for them, this family can keep the spirit of Veterans Day alive. If you want to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, share your gratitude to our Facebook page; post in honor or memorandum to a veteran in your life, or simply share a note of thanks. Consider donating to a great cause at MFVSOA or simply flying the American flag. One simple action from everyone on this day, can make our heroes feel honored, as they should be on this special, sacred day.
To find more inspiration, and ways to support a cause you care about, visit http://mfvsoa.org and follow us on Facebook !
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