
There are few holidays that register as more important than this often not remembered holiday.
In our house, it will always be special.
If i didn't learn anything else from my parents { but trust me I did} it was the value of patriotism.
See my dad, or Bella's beloved Pop pop, is a Marine.
And as the motto goes "once a Marine, always a Marine".
That motto certainly rang true.
So Happy Veteran's Day Poppy and to every other Marine and Veteran out there.
Thank you for keeping me and my family free. For braving a war I wouldn't dare touch. For performing a duty I am not courageous enough to do.
Thank you for serving our country when you are often not respected enough for the job you perform for us, to keep us free.
And to my very own Veteran. Thank you dad. Thank you for making patriotism a priority. Thank you for teaching me the importance of standing to salute the flag during the National Anthem. For being a proud American. Teaching me to support and respect our countries leaders even though I don't agree with them and for understanding I have a right to vote and must exercise that right or to not disagree at all.
Pop, you have the kindest most stoic heart of any man I know. You live life at both ends of the spectrum but through all your tough guy antics you are a sweet man. You've taught me the value of giving to others when you don't have anything left to give. That the simple gesture of buying a cheap lunch for an elderly person or a soldier in uniform is more than enough to show your appreciation for humankind.
Or telling an enlisted person "Thank You" might be the best thing they've heard all day.
That teaching a young child kindness to others will get them further in life than any book ever could.
That what you have will never matter more than what you give.
You've taught me a love for people and for helping them in any way I can.
That self discipline will get me far, even though I struggle with that one each and every day.
But thank you most of all for helping teach Bella & Pierce the same love of America you have taught me.
And you are right the Marine Corps hymn will always put a baby to sleep...

"
From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli..."
Thanks to you I know every word and am able to sing it to Pierce, your perfect little namesake.
Happy Veteran's Day Poppy! We love you very very much! Thank you for serving!