When Veteran's Day is celebrated, a lot of people overlook the one important thing that comes with Veterans- their families. More specifically, I'm talking about their kids. Being the oldest child of a Marine Veteran, I can tell you that we all have some things in common. One, our parents are both our greatest heroes and our greatest pains in the neck. Two, our childhoods are basically the pre-training to the training. And three is the fact that we have a greater sense of respect and awe of our service men and women.

When I was in elementary school, I was asked who my hero was. I don't think a half of a second went by before I shouted, "My daddy!". For every other question like this one that followed, I always kept with my answer. My dad is my hero, not just because he served, but because he is both the most flawed person ,and the strongest person I know. I say he is flawed, because every human is flawed no matter who they are or their rank. I say he is the strongest, because he is able to take his flaws, and make them his strengths. He doesn't let petty things keep him down. As he always says, he "keeps on pressing on".

All parents can be a pain in the neck, but Veteran parents can be just slightly worse. Veteran kids are basically recruits. Once you're born, you're signed up for life. I can't count how many times I wanted to knock my dad out with a shovel, tie him up, and lock him in the closet, just so I wouldn't be bothered. Every child of a Marine (just to be specific here) is probably familiar with the "speech". If you're a little confused to what I mean, here's my speech that I get every time I leave the house (even just to get the mail).

1. Always be aware of your surroundings; know who's around you

2. Never be alone in a public place

3. Before you do anything- think

4. Don't take things personal

Ok, those might not sound so bad to you. But, what about these quirks of an overly protective Marine daddy?

1. No boys (Period)

2. No sleeping out (unless Daddy dearest has done a full background check of the parents and the house)

3. No going out unless accompanied by a responsible adult (or unless my dad threatens one of the bigger boys to watch out for me)

4. None of our business what so ever on the internet ( you can see how well that one worked out)

5.No nonsense, no garbage

Besides these tedious rules that a Veteran parent would probably instill into you, there are also some awesome life lessons they teach as well. Here are some of the things that I have been taught.

1. Improvise, adapt, and overcome

2. Meet people where they're at

3. Whatever it takes, make it happen!

4. Sempre Fi- always faithful

I love my old man to death for all of these things. From making up those seemingly dumb rules to keep me safe, to teaching me how to live life. I'm sure you'll understand that as well.

As a child of a Veteran, we know exactly what goes on overseas. We see the scars and the bruises of our parents that they try so desperately to hide, and you know what? We take on those scars so that we may help them carry the burden. As a family unit, we share each others strengths and weaknesses, and as they get stronger- so do we. That's why children of Veterans have a much more personal respect for other service men and women who went though (and still go through) some tough experiences. Nobody can begin to imagine experiencing the death and destruction that war brings when you have a front row seat. Nor can you imagine the feeling of being left behind as someone you love goes off to fight. This is why when I see a Veteran pass me by, I always acknowledge them-even with just a nod of my head. What's funny is, is that they know exactly what I mean when I nod. It's a silent thank you. A silent agreement that the past may be in the past, but shadows like to come back during night. It's a silent, I'm there for you and I understand. It's respect that everyone should have for people who have served.

So, to all the Vets out there: thank - you.

Do you have Veterans and service men or women in your family? Comment your own stories and opinions in the comments!