Usually celebrated on November 11, Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

My big strong marine other half is of course now a veteran (doesn’t that make you sound old?!) and I have to say that it does make me proud that he has served his country. OK I am not super patriotic yet and I know that there is a large portion of people that giggle about the patriotism of Americans and I have to admit that I never really understood the reasoning behind having flags in your front yards and pledging allegiance to a flag – I mean it’s just a flag. But I do see the reasoning behind it and although I do not yet put my hand over my heart and sing The Star Spangled Banner and I don’t know the Pledge of Allegiance, it does make you fell good to know that the country is united. Maybe we in South Africa can learn a thing or two – I know that I am not very patriotic to even my own country – but it would feel good to be.

So my big strong marine other half was invited to be the special guest to help teach a kindergarten class about Veterans Day. Donning his cammies on more time, we set off with photo’s and flags in hand. If there is anything that can brighten up any day it’s walking into a class filled with beautiful children looking up to a “solider” and thinking that this is just the most exciting day ever. After one little girl told him looked handsome he discussed the marine corps, being away from his friends and family and tried to turn his marine experiences into lessons the kids could learn from. He led them in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the anthem and taught them how to march.

After they presented him with a thank you card on which they had all drawn pictures of things important to the (including one picture apparently of the child, a soldier and bombs – I couldn’t make it out) we left feeling warm in our hearts and with smiles on our faces.

I would like to take this opportunity – without getting mushy – to thank all those who have served their countries – not only America. That of course includes my other half and all those marines I have met along the way. It also largely includes my amazing daddy and his dad (outa), serving both South Africa and England respectively. My family in Israel and my friends in the Royal services. I love you all. Please be safe.