A conversation with a friend yesterday about Veteran’s Day, got me thinking about what being a Vet on Veteran’s Day means to me. I would not say that I think to myself, “where can I get a free meal?” OR that I feel an overwhelming sense of patriotism.

I remember that being in the military mostly just felt like a job, not like it was any big deal. I got out of the US Navy 8 years ago. We went to work… just like anyone, faced challenges…. just like anyone, and at the end of the day were just as happy to return home to our families…. like anyone else.

But I know at the heart of the matter, Veterans Day is special. When I think about the people I met along the way… that is when I start to feel proud. I remember the moms and dads that would leave their babies at home when they left for a six month deployment. Or the hours that were spent training for fighting fires or other ship emergencies. Or even the simple things, like the teamwork involved to get supplies onboard the ship before a big deployment. You learn how to work with, or at least tolerate, so many things that you would normally have never thought to consider.

The people I met along the way were/are incredible, whether they know it or not. They were able to make a sacrifice that not all people can make.  And I will cherish every single one of them.

When I was stationed in San Diego, California, I remember the overwhelming sense of pride I would feel when I saw a ship that had just returned from a 6, 7, or 8 month deployment. So many people make sacrifices for those who serve. So today while my initial thought hadn’t started as pride, IT IS.

I’m proud of the people who have served and those still serving, and the family and friends who make sacrifices too.

-a wanderer-​