Veterans Day: It’s Time to Remember Challenges Faced and Friends Lost

I am a retired U.S. Marine sergeant major. After over 25 years of service—including two combat tours in Iraq—you could safely argue military life is nearly all I’ve known.

Veterans Day holds a special place in the hearts of those who have served in the military. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform, and a moment to reflect on the camaraderie and shared experiences forged in the crucible of service.

It’s a time to remember the challenges faced, the friends lost, and the profound sense of duty that has defined our lives. Veterans Day is a tribute to the commitment and resilience of those who’ve answered the nation’s call, a day to honor the unwavering dedication that binds us together as a community.

Just prior to Veterans Day in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower called on all Americans 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, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

More than just a day off, Veterans Day signifies the gratitude and respect that the nation bestows upon its military veterans. As a United States Marine veteran, this day means a great deal to me.

First, it calls to mind the sacrifices veterans make while protecting this country’s freedoms. The United States is unique in that our Bill of Rights and Constitution affirm that our citizens have rights and freedoms that aren’t granted by the government, but part of simply being human. Many other countries do not ensure these rights for their citizens. Freedom of speech, religion, press, unreasonable search and seizure, owning property, and a speedy and public trial are just a few of these rights. Service members are deployed outside the United States for extended periods of time, away from their families and friends so our citizens back home can enjoy these precious freedoms.

Second, Veterans Day is a reminder of the pride and dedication that veterans have for this country. Service members must have an unselfish attitude when serving, especially when they are in harm’s way. According to the 2021 American Community Survey, the U.S. civilian population that is eligible to serve in the military is more than 250 million. Of that amount, only just over 16 million are veterans—approximately 6.4 percent. This small number of men and women unselfishly commit to protecting millions of citizens and their way of life.

Veterans put their country first, even before their own family. This is why many citizens are unwilling to enter the military, which is currently struggling to meet recruiting demands. It takes courage to raise your right hand and swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Third, Veterans Day also reminds me of those who continue to serve their country even after their military service is over. I chose to keep serving via a job at Camp Pendleton assisting other veterans develop leadership skills that will benefit them outside the military.

Many veterans opt to keep serving via Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and Disabled American Veterans. These groups give veterans ways to promote patriotism and participate in local programs to improve their community. Along with other non-profit organizations, VSOs help veterans reconnect and bring a sense of camaraderie to community service. Our communities need veterans’ engagement, as they possess some of the best leadership skills in the world.

Indeed, the military has produced some of our country’s finest leaders. Thirty-one out of 46 U.S. presidents were military veterans. Additionally, the average duration of a CEO who is a military veteran is more than seven years, compared to a non-veteran CEO with less than five. Veteran leadership is second to none, and this holiday reminds me of that.

When I think of Veterans Day now, I think of the men and women who have sacrificed a lot for this country. They are individuals who unselfishly signed a check made payable (if need be) with their very life in order to protect our citizens and our way of life. They are citizens who are proud to be Americans and have an unwavering dedication to this country.

Commitment to service doesn’t end with discharge; it’s a lifelong commitment to the ideals of duty, honor, and sacrifice. So, when you see a veteran this Nov. 11, remind yourself of all that veterans have done for this country past and present, and say “thank you” for their service and sacrifice. May God bless America and our veterans so that we can enjoy another 247 years of freedom, and a way of life that many countries can only dream about.

Wallace “Mike” Mains is a retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant major who has just completed his final doctoral defense in organizational leadership at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.