Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a moment to pause and honor the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. For me, Gordon Edgin, this day is deeply personal, woven into my family’s legacy of service to our country. My father, Ray Edgin, a World War II veteran, instilled in me a profound respect for the flag, our nation, and the values we hold dear. His lessons continue to guide my life and inspire my own journey as a veteran.

I vividly recall one of my earliest memories: sitting on a curb in Biloxi, Mississippi, as a three-year-old, watching a military parade. My father’s voice cut through the clamor of the crowd: “Son, the colors are coming! Stand at attention! Place your right hand over your heart.”

He explained that the bright colors were flags, led by the Stars and Stripes, the enduring symbol of our nation. Not understanding fully, I watched as he demonstrated the gesture of respect. That moment was the beginning of a lifelong understanding of honor, duty, and patriotism.

Ray Edgin’s service as a B-26 pilot in World War II shaped him into a man of quiet strength and conviction. He flew 65 missions over Nazi Germany, targeting bridges and railways under skies thick with enemy fire. His mission briefing officer, the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, exemplified the era’s sense of duty—an era when even Hollywood icons and sports legends like Ted Williams served with pride.

My father’s post-war contributions were equally significant. Graduating at the top of his class in electrical engineering, he devoted his career to advancing the Minuteman Missile System, a cornerstone of national defense. Through his work and his example, he taught me that serving one’s country goes beyond the battlefield.

Inspired by his life, I too pursued military service. After graduating from Clemson University in 1969 as the outstanding male graduate, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. My path took me through law school, where I became a JAG officer, and eventually into the demanding world of U.S. Special Operations Command. There, I worked alongside some of the nation’s finest soldiers, advising on covert missions and ensuring compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict.

To gain credibility with those I served, I took on the rigorous training of an airborne soldier, earning my Master Parachutist badge through countless jumps—many under hazardous conditions. I learned firsthand the physical and emotional toll of service. Some of us didn’t return from our missions, but we all knew the risks, bound by a shared commitment to protecting our fellow Americans.

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on these sacrifices—not just those made by me or my father, but by all who have worn the uniform. It is a day to honor the courage and resilience of the men and women who serve, often in silence, facing dangers few will ever know.
As I prepare to speak at a local elementary school assembly this Veterans Day, I am reminded of the lessons my father passed on to me. Through his words and actions, he taught me the values that make America strong: respect, dedication, and the willingness to stand for something greater than oneself.

These are the values I strive to impart to the next generation, just as my father did until his final days. Veterans like him, and like so many others, remind us that the freedoms we enjoy are not guaranteed—they are earned through sacrifice and preserved through service.

As we gather to celebrate Veterans Day, let us honor their stories, their sacrifices, and their legacy. They are the heartbeat of this nation, and their contributions inspire us to be better Americans.

Editor’s Note: Gordon Edgin is my brother, and both he and our father, Ray Edgin, have profoundly inspired me. — Paula Edgin Garland