Reflections on Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday
Honoring Traditions and New Beginnings
As someone transitioning out of the Marine Corps after 15 years, Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday hold a unique place in my heart. For me, these two days represent more than honoring the past; they’re about reflecting on the values that shaped me and those I served alongside. This year marks the last time I will observe both days as an active-duty Marine, and that shift in perspective has made me reflect even more deeply on what these days mean.
November 10: The Marine Corps Birthday
For Marines, November 10th is sacred. We celebrate the birth of the Marine Corps each year with an unwavering pride that runs through every member, from the newest recruits to the most seasoned veterans. Our formal balls, traditions, and moments of camaraderie reinforce what it means to be a Marine and recommit ourselves to our values — honor, courage, and commitment. This day isn’t just a birthday; it’s a reminder of our shared history, our brotherhood, and the sacrifices that generations of Marines have made since 1775.
In the Marine Corps, we celebrate this day with a ritualistic reverence. The reading of General John A. Lejeune’s birthday message and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, where the first piece is given to the oldest Marine and the second to the youngest, are acts that bridge our past with our future. Even now, out of uniform, I can feel the pride well up in me as I remember those celebrations, standing shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters, each of us part of something much bigger than ourselves.
As a newly transitioned Marine, this year’s celebration brings a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. No matter where I am, I’ll raise a glass to the Corps. There’s something unbreakable about the bond Marines share, and that doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It’s a reminder that once a Marine, always a Marine.
November 11: Veterans Day
The day after the Marine Corps Birthday, we have Veterans Day — a day dedicated to honoring all those who have served. For many years, I celebrated Veterans Day as an active-duty Marine, remembering those who served before me. Thinking about men like my father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, grandfather, and so many others who answered the call and chose to serve. Now, I am beginning to experience it as a veteran, standing alongside those great men who have played such a pivotal role in my journey. This transition has given me a new understanding of what Veterans Day truly represents, not only for myself but for veterans from every branch and every era.
Veterans Day holds a deep meaning, especially for those of us who have spent significant parts of our lives in service. It’s a day to recognize and honor the sacrifices and experiences that shape us. Some of us left parts of ourselves in distant places, some carry scars that aren’t visible, and all of us carry memories that we’ll never forget. But this day isn’t about reliving the past; it’s about honoring the strength and resilience that brought us here and recognizing the continued commitment to serving our communities even after we leave active duty.
The Transition from Active Duty to Veteran
Transitioning out of the military after 15 plus years has been a journey that’s both challenging and rewarding. There’s a significant shift in going from the structure and routine of military life to a civilian world that sometimes feels out of sync with those experiences. For years, I knew my place and my purpose within the Corps, and while I carry those values with me, finding a new path has required adjustment.
One thing I’ve realized in this transition is that the values instilled in me by the Marine Corps will serve me well. The leadership skills, the dedication to the mission, and the sense of duty aren’t left behind with the uniform. This Veterans Day, I find myself thinking about all the ways I can continue to serve, just in a different capacity. Whether it’s in my career, community, or even just in the way I carry myself daily, I know that my time in the Marine Corps has prepared me to lead and contribute wherever I am.
Honoring Veterans by Supporting Each Other
This year, as I reflect on Veterans Day, I’m reminded of how essential it is for us as veterans to support one another. The bond we share doesn’t end with our service. As I’ve experienced the transition to civilian life, I’ve found that the support and understanding from other veterans are invaluable. We may have served at different times or in different places, but there’s a shared experience that connects us, a mutual understanding that few others can fully grasp.
One of the best ways we can honor each other on Veterans Day is by being there for one another, whether that means listening to each other’s stories, offering support, or providing resources. Many of us face challenges after we leave service — be it physical, emotional, or logistical—and knowing that we have a community that understands can make all the difference. Veterans Day, then, isn’t just about remembering our service; it’s about honoring our journey and the paths we continue to walk, side by side.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
I feel a responsibility to uphold the legacy of those who came before me and those who are still serving. The values of the Corps — honor, courage, and commitment — aren’t things I leave behind in my transition. They’re values I carry forward into my civilian life. I think of it as my responsibility to embody these principles and to demonstrate them in my actions, in the way I treat others, and in how I approach my new roles and responsibilities.
One of the most meaningful ways to carry that legacy forward is by serving as an example in our communities. Whether that means mentoring younger veterans, volunteering, or simply setting a high standard in my career, I know that being a Marine doesn’t end when active duty does. The Marine Corps taught me to be a leader and to act with integrity, and those lessons continue to guide me. This Veterans Day, I’m reminded that being a Marine isn’t a chapter that closes; it’s a foundation that builds my future.
Looking to the Future
As I celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day this year, I do so with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. These days remind me of where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and how far I’ve come. They’re a chance to reconnect with the values I’ve lived by and to honor the journey ahead, one that still feels guided by the lessons of the Corps.
For those of us who’ve served, whether we’re still in or have transitioned out, Veterans Day is an opportunity to look back on our service and to look forward to how we can continue contributing to our communities. The Marine Corps Birthday, meanwhile, will always be a time to celebrate the brotherhood that no distance or time can diminish. We carry the legacy with us, each of us a part of the Corps, committed to excellence and service in all we do.
To my fellow Marines, happy birthday. And to veterans from every branch, happy Veterans Day. Semper Fi.
Stephen, this was one of the most grounded and moving reflections I’ve read in a long time. Your writing carries the weight of lived experience but also the clarity of someone who’s still walking the path—with purpose, humility, and strength.
I especially appreciated how you reframed these days not just as historical commemorations but as living invitations—to carry the values forward, to support one another, and to lead wherever we find ourselves next. That hit home.
The way you described the transition out of active duty—how it disorients and challenges, but also opens up new possibilities—that’s a message a lot of veterans (and civilians, honestly) need to hear.