November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, where Americans take a moment to honor and recognize veterans and military families for their service and people from around the country change their front porch or house light to the color green.

The importance of honoring National Veterans and Military Families Month is to thank service members and veterans for their duty to their country. It allows Americans to reflect and be grateful for the freedom and liberty provided through the hardwork and dedication that the veterans have done and thank the current military families for their family member’s service. Every November, the President of the United States signs a proclamation honoring the men and women deployed overseas as well as veterans and reserve military families.

Senior Catherine McGuire reflects on what it is like to have a family member currently serving in the armed forces. Her older sister is a member of the Army and has dedicated herself to serving the United States.

McGuire explains that it can be hard to not see her sister, stating, “Having a family member currently in the military can be challenging. It is difficult to go months on end without seeing someone you’re so used to living with. For me and my family, finding a time to see my sister or even just setting up phone calls can be super difficult given her unpredictable schedule. Also, coming to terms with the amount of time she is going to be gone is difficult as it will be years until she is done serving.”

Despite missing her sister and not being able to see her for days or weeks on end, she is grateful for her sister’s work and dedication to serve.
She stated, “It means a lot to my family that my sister is doing what she feels is best. For her, the military presented a lot of really great opportunities in regards to education, experience, etc., and she also felt very strongly that it was something she wanted to do.”

McGuire is thankful for everyone who serves and has gained a deeper perspective of what it means to have a family member serve. She hopes that everyone honors military personnel and civilians affected by military actions around the world.

National Veterans and Military Families Month is one of the many opportunities that allow the country to thank and honor those who put their lives on the line for the protection of the United States. On behalf of the nation, Americans thank those who have risked their lives to serve and to provide the country with freedom and liberty.