By Brandi Bunn · Retired U.S. Navy Veteran & Proud Marine Mom
When I think about Veterans Day, I don’t just think about a flag waving in the breeze or a uniform hanging in a closet. I think about people.
I think about my fellow brothers and sisters who have served, the families who stood beside them, and the friendships formed through shared experiences. I think about the many different paths that brought each of us to the decision to put on a uniform.
As a retired United States Navy veteran and the proud mother of a United States Marine, this day holds a special place in my heart.
Today, I want to use this little corner of Gran B’s Best Finds to pause, reflect, and offer my heartfelt gratitude to the people who have given a part of their lives to serving our country.
The Meaning Behind November 11
Veterans Day is a time to honor everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces—in wartime and in peacetime.
While Memorial Day specifically remembers those who died in military service, Veterans Day honors all veterans, with particular recognition of those still living among us.
They are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, parents, and grandparents. Some proudly wear a hat showing their branch of service. Others may never mention their military years unless someone asks.
There is no single way a veteran looks, and no single story that represents us all.
My gratitude extends across every branch: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Across different uniforms, responsibilities, and generations, there is a shared commitment to something beyond ourselves.
I Took Off the Uniform, but the Connection Remains
I retired from the Navy in 2022. But retirement did not end my love for the military community or my desire to help my fellow brothers and sisters.
That connection is still part of who I am.
Military service can bring pride, purpose, lasting friendships, and opportunities to grow. It can also mean time apart from loved ones, uncertainty, and responsibilities that others may never see.
Each veteran carries their own combination of those experiences. We honor them best when we make room for their individual stories rather than assuming we know what their service was like.
And we remember that a veteran’s worth extends far beyond what they did in uniform. Their life today—their family, dreams, well-being, and sense of belonging—matters, too.
Memories from my years in the United States Navy—a chapter I will always carry with pride.
The People Who Became Part of My Story
When I say “my brothers and sisters,” I think of people like those in these photographs—people I had the privilege of serving alongside. Looking back at these pictures reminds me that some of the most meaningful parts of military life are the people we meet along the way.
Some photographs capture us standing proudly together in uniform. Others preserve an ordinary moment when we paused long enough to share a smile. I treasure both.
Those connections can reach beyond our own branch. We may wear different uniforms and have different responsibilities, but serving alongside one another gives us common ground.
A shared smile with people I served alongside—a reminder that military memories include everyday moments of connection, too.
To those I served with: thank you for being part of my story. When I honor veterans, I think of you, too.
With fellow sailors during my Navy service. I am grateful for the people who became part of this chapter of my life.
Those connections can reach beyond our own branch. We may wear different uniforms and have different responsibilities, but serving alongside one another gives us common ground.
A shared smile with people I served alongside—a reminder that military memories include everyday moments of connection, too.
Now I Also See Service Through a Mother’s Eyes
Being a Navy veteran is one part of my story. Being a Marine mom is another that fills my heart with pride.
Seeing my daughter with her fellow Marines reminds me of the connections that make our military community so special. Behind the uniforms are young people sharing a smile, finding friendship, and making memories together.
My daughter, Destini, with her fellow Marines—a glimpse of the smiles and connections behind the uniforms.
Watching my daughter serve has given me a different perspective. I know what it means to make a commitment to the military, and now I also know what it means to love a child who has made that commitment herself.
There is pride in seeing her find her own strength and build her own future. There is love that follows her wherever she goes.
Seeing Destini beside her senior drill instructor reminds me of the work and commitment behind becoming a Marine. As a mother and a veteran, I am grateful to those who dedicate themselves to training the next generation.
My daughter, Destini, with her senior drill instructor from boot camp—a meaningful part of her journey to becoming a United States Marine.
Desi, this is your first Veterans Day since earning the title of United States Marine. When I look at this photo, I think about how much work went into the moment it captured. I hope you take a minute to be proud of yourself, baby girl. I sure am, very proud of you!
Semper Fi!
Love, Mom
Being a Marine mom has also deepened my appreciation for military families: the people holding things together at home, waiting for calls, and celebrating accomplishments even when they cannot be there in person.
Although Veterans Day centers on those who served, I also hold those families close in my thoughts.
My daughter and a fellow Marine. Seeing her build her own story of service fills this Navy veteran’s heart with pride.
Honoring the Veterans in Our Community
I also want to recognize the veterans pictured below. Every person in these photographs served, and each has a story that deserves to be honored. These are the faces of Veterans Day in our community.
These gatherings remind me how valuable it is to have places where veterans can connect. The years may pass and the uniforms may change, but there is still room for friendship, shared memories, and a sense of belonging.
A gathering of veterans, each with their own story of service. To everyone pictured: thank you for serving our country.
Veterans gathered at John T. Alexander American Legion Post 17. Honoring the people behind the service, today and throughout the year.
Fellow veterans together beside our flag—a meaningful reminder of service, connection, and community.
To all of you: your service matters, and so does your place in our community today. I am grateful to include you in this tribute.
Gratitude Can Be Something We Do
“Thank you for your service” can mean a great deal when it comes from the heart. We can carry that gratitude into everyday actions, too.
Call a veteran you know. Invite them to share a meal. Ask how they are doing, and make time for the answer.
If they want to share memories, listen. If they would rather talk about their grandchildren, their garden, or their plans for the weekend, enjoy that conversation. Let them choose what they feel comfortable sharing.
Offer practical help when it is welcome. Include someone who may feel alone. Support the people and organizations doing thoughtful work in your local veteran community.
And keep showing up after November 11.
Little Hands, Heartfelt Thanks
As a mom and grandma, I believe we can help children understand Veterans Day through simple, thoughtful activities. They don’t need to understand every part of military life to learn kindness and appreciation.
Make a “Little Hands, Big Thanks” keepsake.
Let children add red, white, and blue handprints to paper or an unfinished wooden plaque using age-appropriate paint. Write “Little Hands, Big Thanks” underneath. Paper makes a lovely card, while wood creates a lasting gift for a veteran in the family.
Write a personal thank-you card.
A child’s drawing and a few sincere words can be meaningful. Give cards to veterans you know, or ask a local veterans’ organization whether it accepts cards before arranging a delivery.
Create a family wall of honor.
Decorate paper stars with veterans’ names and branches of service. With permission, include photographs. Take time to tell children about the people represented on those stars.
Listen to a veteran’s story.
If a veteran is comfortable participating, help children ask gentle questions such as, “What did you learn?” or “Did you make a special friend?” Children can draw a picture or write a few sentences about what they heard.
The conversation matters just as much as the finished project. Explain who we are thanking and why we have set aside this day to honor them.
To My Fellow Brothers and Sisters
Whether we served together or have never met, I want you to know that your service matters.
Whether your military years are something you speak about often or something you keep mostly private, you deserve appreciation and respect. You also deserve care, friendship, and the chance to be known for the person you are today.
I am proud to have served in the United States Navy. I am proud of my daughter’s service in the United States Marine Corps. And I will always care deeply about helping and supporting our military family, past and present.
This Veterans Day, my gratitude is for you—and my hope is that you feel it through the kindness and connection of the people around you.
From my family to yours, thank you for your sacrifice and service.
Love, Gran B
Brandi Bunn
Retired U.S. Navy Veteran · Proud Marine Mom
If you feel comfortable, share the name or branch of a veteran you would like to honor in the comments. I would be honored to join you in thanking them.
