Happy 241st Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, and Happy Veterans Day to all Veterans

Today is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Tomorrow is a day to honor all of those brave men and women who answered the call of service.

For several years now, I’ve written heavily about veterans – and, more extensively, about Marines. Through them, I have seen what it means to run into danger instead of running away from it. I have witnessed their determination to heal. I have felt the strength that drives them to move forward and to support their fellow veterans and active-duty brothers and sisters as well.

Because of my job, I have had the opportunity to interview some remarkable men and women. I feel incredibly blessed that so many entrust powerful parts of their stories to me and allow me to share those stories with others.

What we owe to our veterans is vast. One of the most important things that I have learned is that some of the most marked wounds of war are those that are left unseen. They have put their lives in harm’s way. They have gone into battlegrounds we can’t even fabricate in our minds. They have received receptions that no one should have to endure. I’ve seen men and women laugh and smile, and I’ve seen them weep. I’ve watched as they tell their stories and remain stalwart, and I’ve been present as they suffer brokenness with dignity.

And yet, they stand proud. They stand tall. They stand together. United under the American Flag.

The garrison flag which sits atop an 80-foot flagpole at Woodstock Harley-Davidson dealership.

I am proud to say that this enormous flag soars above my hometown. It welcomes visitors as they come up a major roadway. It pulls people in off the streets and leads them to a black granite monument surrounded by a sea of bricks.

The monument – honoring veterans both living and deceased – resides on the property of Woodstock Harley-Davidson, proudly designed by Vietnam veteran and U.S. Marine Cpl Timothy J. Crabb. Last Saturday, Woodstock Harley-Davidson honored veterans in a special way, centered around Gold Star families, POWs and MIAs.

U.S. Marine SSGT Derek Wolford tolls the bell at the reading of each name in the Gold Star Section.

The U.S. Military Color Guard takes particular care to ensure that this immense flag does not touch the ground as they raise it for the ceremony.

A dear group of motorcycle friends gathered at this celebration to remember two lost Marine comrades. (I happened to be at the memorial site during a brick installation and captured one of these two men’s bricks being placed.)  Their heartbreak was palpable, but their drive to press on – a value no doubt instilled by the Marine Corps – was that much stronger.

I fortuitously was taking pictures at the exact moment this brick -- a friend of some friends and a Marine I had the pleasure of talking with mere months before he died -- was installed.

Marine brothers remembering two friends who have passed away. Their bricks are a tangible reminder that the two remain with their group always.

It was as somber a celebration as it was full of accolades. But one thing was certain: veterans were appreciated that day. Read about the event by clicking this link: Hundreds Attend Salute to Veterans.

Coming off of a contentious election, with friends on both sides, I am so thankful for these men and women who serve their President – no matter who he or she is at the time – and honor the vows they made to their country so that we can have the right to cast our ballots with anonymity, so that we can raise our children in a country in which we can be proud to live, so that we can have the freedoms that are protected by our constitution. From those of us who are not on the front lines, from those of us who try to do our jobs at home so that you can more easily do yours, from those of us who don’t have all of the words to say exactly what we mean, a very sincere and heartfelt, "Thank you."

I encourage everyone to thank a veteran – today, and any day. I’m not a veteran. I’m not a motorcycle rider. But when I interview veterans, they always are willing to explain what I don’t understand, and they are always thankful to hear those five words, “Thank you for your service.”

*And, if you are a Marine – Happy 241^st!

Thank you, veterans ... and Happy 241st birthday, United States Marine Corp!