On November 11th, we celebrate all our veterans. But for me, it gives me another reason to celebrate my favorite person. My dad. Not only is he an American hero, he is my superhero. He may not wear a cape, but he bears heavy memories everyday.

My father fought in the Gulf War. He was a young man who took on a major task-- go to a foreign country, and fight for your own. He laid his life on the line. And now years later, I get to honor him for everything he has done.

My dad is truly my hero. He has stood behind me my whole life, and supported every decision I have ever had to make. He taught me many important life lessons. The most prominent being to never quit because you think something is too hard. I imagine if I didn't live by these words, I would not have accomplished everything I have.

He taught me how to appreciate the rights I have as a U.S. citizen, and our country's history. Trust me, the amount of documentaries we have watched is pretty high. I cherish those moments together, and the conversations we have shared. I would never want to spend our time together any other way.

Being away from home sucks sometimes. I didn't get to see my dad a lot before, and now it seems like forever in between the times I get to see him. Getting to talk to him on the phone, when I can, is the highlight of my week.

I always want to make my dad proud. He sets some pretty high expectations, but I try to meet every single one. Not gonna lie, I tear up a little every time he tells me I make him proud. I think that is most kids' goal-- to accomplish everything their parents want them to. Sometimes they can be hard tasks, but in the end it is worth it.

Sometimes I forget everything my dad has been through. He has seen things I could only imagine. So when Veteran's day rolls around, I always make sure I appreciate him even more than I already do. I'm lucky, he could've not made it back home.

Now, I know I don't always do my best at recognizing him. I'm a forgetful teenager sometimes. I don't always make my best effort to make sure I see him. But now that I am away at college, every chance I can see him I try to take. Even if it's just sitting with him in the stands for a little at a football game. Or clearing my schedule for dinner. I do my best, and I hope it is enough in the end.

Now I celebrate every veteran on Veteran's Day, but it is a day where I can dedicate my time to my dad. I could never imagine my life without him. I look up to him everyday, and I can't wait to have a dad day on Friday.