Hello,

Veterans Day is an occasion that means more to me than just my military service.

The Franken family has tallied veterans of the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and the Marine Corps, all tallying well over a century of service – and from WWI to WWII, from Vietnam to today, that service continues.

My grandfather and his brother set aside their recent German heritage to become American Expeditionary Forces during WWI. Both men suffered grievous injuries leading to early deaths, but quietly so, they remained proud of their service to their new nation. (Thank you for my mother, grandpops!)

My father signed up right after Pearl Harbor, and three and a-half-weeks later, he reported to the USS Vincennes on New Year’s Eve, 1941. He survived the ship’s sinking at Savo Island, spent 13 long hours in the water, recovered from his wounds, and continued his service to war’s end. He saw some of the bloodiest operations first-hand, such as Doolittle’s Raid, Midway, and the Battle for Guadalcanal. He never discussed his involvement, but no tougher or more honorable man lived.

I’m grateful to all of my family members and to every American who has protected our country. And I’m grateful to their immediate families. Military service means not only a daily knot in the stomach for loved ones, but also raising a family, mostly alone, amid cross-country moves and lengthy deployments.

Veteran’s Day for me is about honoring those who gave, those who endured, and the families who persevered. I salute them!

I hope you’ll join me in honoring our veterans today.

Mike Franken, VADM, U.S. Navy (ret.)