Many of us have a special veteran in our life, whether it’s a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, sibling, friend, or another loved one. We asked some of you to tell us about the veteran in your life. Here are some of your stories:

“My wonderful, brave, father, Fred Fredensburg, served in the Navy during WWII, and still makes us proud to this day. He is soon to be 96, and is an incredible inspiration to all he knows and meets. Thank you, Dad. We love you.”
—Julie Fredensburg Tyner (photo)

“My brother, who was 18 years older than me, went into the Marines when I was three months old. RIP Ernest Hudson.”
—Sandi Petersen

“My husband, a Navy veteran, served in the Vietnam War. I’m very proud of Merrill and his son, Than Hathaway, currently serving in Norfolk, Va after several deployments.”
—Patty Danner Hathaway

“My mother and father served during WWII. They met at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mom was a Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. Dad was a Sergeant and a medic. They fell in love and eloped. After they were married, mom was discharged. Dad rode a troop train to San Francisco. There he boarded a troop ship and sailed to Pearl Harbor. He arrived shortly after the attack. He was stationed there until he was sent to the battle of Okinawa. He told us about being on board a ship sitting off the coast until the island was taken. Once on shore, he worked in a MASH unit. He survived a typhoon, which flattened the camp. He had a camera with him all through the war. I treasure the pictures he took.” —Jane Thurston

“My wonderful husband dedicated 26 years of his life to serve and protect the values of this great United States of America. We are currently sold out to the mission and the values of the American Legion Family through Service Not Self. We are Texas proud!” —Sylvia Chess (photo) 

“I am a veteran. I joined the American Legion Auxiliary because of its proven commitment to my fellow veterans.”
—Michelle Freeman Stewart

“My dad is a living WWII Army veteran. He is 92 years young and still full of stories— some familiar— but every once in a while, he tells one I have never heard. He has lots of life experiences but is always happy and proud to be a veteran. Love you more than you will ever know, Dad.” —Donna Arends

“My husband served 11 years in the US Navy. My girlfriend and I were driving around the Long Beach, California drag scene in 1965 when he caught my eye and he chased me until he caught me. He works to further the conditions for our veterans and gives his all in what is put before him.” —Martha Sweeney

“My father Hubert Gearld Fowler was a WWII Purple Heart recipient. Although wounded in service, my father lived until he was 82. It is truly an honor to be a member of the greatest patriotic organization honoring our veterans. I wake up every day and plan my day of service to our organization, our veterans, and their families.” —Dorothy Hazen (photo)