Veterans Day is a holiday many people tend to overlook. Let me just say, as an American citizen and the daughter of a Navy veteran, that's one of the biggest insults and disappointments I've been faced with.
My dad was a Navy SEAL for 22 years and the majority of my young adult life. We've moved more times than I can count and met more people than I will likely ever be exposed to again. In every location we lived, whether it was Puerto Rico, Ohio, or Virginia Beach, my dad always excelled at not just his job, but also at being a dad. I grew up with some kids who wouldn't see their dads at night because they were working late. But, my dad always made sure to be home for dinner, ask us about how our days were, and read us our nightly GI-Joe comic book before bed.
So, when my dad was deployed to Afghanistan post-9/11, it was unbelievably hard not having him around. However, my mom always reminded my brother and I that he was helping to keep the two of us and everyone else in the United States safe.
It was a week before my birthday and a warm April day when my brother, aunt, mom, and I made the "magic" Welcome Home Daddy sign. My mom told us that if we put all of our love into the sign, the sign would become magic and bring daddy home from war. My brother and I were only five and six at the time, so we did as our mom told and made the sign to the best of our toddler artistic abilities.
Sure enough, when I walked into my parents' room early one morning for a glass of water, I was shocked to find my dad to be the one handing me the glass. To this day, I don't remember crying so much as when I saw my dad upon his return from his nearly eight month deployment.
My dad is my biggest hero. He fought to keep the country I've grown up to know safe from those who wish to do it harm while still being the best dad a girl could ever ask for. That's why it's so heartbreaking to see so many veterans overlooked on such an important day. Similar to my dad, many men and women have devoted their lives to serving the country in order to protect the ideals and safety so many Americans are accustomed to.
So, this Veterans Day, keep all veterans at the front of your mind. Thank the person in uniform passing you on the street for their service. Call your relative or friend that has served and say that you appreciate everything they've done for the good of the nation. It is they who are America's true heroes and deserved to be recognized for everything they've sacrificed. This Veterans Day, remember why we are able to live with the unalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Thank you to my dad and all of our veterans for your service!
