God Bless The Marines

November is a very special month for me because it celebrates what I consider to be two of the most important days of the year: the Marine Corps Birthday (November 10) and Veterans Day (November 11).

My family is a military family. Three generations of Marines: my grandfather fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, my father fought in Vietnam, and I deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. My uncle and brother both served in the Army. In my family, there was no pressure or expectation that the next generation would serve; we all chose our path willingly and with a proud desire to serve our great country.

I’m not telling you this for accolades or thanks, I am telling you this because I am extremely proud that my family, and my business, Fifth & Cherry, are rooted in the teachings and values of the Marine Corps.

My father, an 18-year-old Marine Sergeant in Vietnam, came home to create Reazor’s Custom Woodworking and teach his two sons what it means to have the courage to fight and the will to win, a Marine ethos; which I believe is the ultimate celebration of freedom. 

Freedom is always something to be celebrated. You didn’t have to serve to appreciate just how special our country is, but for those that did, this week is extraordinarily special. No matter what era, those that served enjoyed camaraderie, love, and devotion to each other and the American ideal that they would be willing to sacrifice everything so others may live in a free and just world. 

With everything going on lately, celebrate freedom this week. Live the life you want to live. Don’t let fear stop you from following your dreams. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Have the courage to fight for your dreams and the drive to make them come true. Carry love and compassion in your heart because everyone is at a different stage of their journey. It’s never too late to follow your heart, start your business, say I love you, find happiness, and give it to others.

The United States Marine Corps celebrates its 245th Birthday this year. Here is a link to the Commandant’s Birthday Message. It shares some of the Marine Corps values that I still live by today and will pass on to my children and grandchildren.

As a Veteran, I understand that the most precious commodity we have is time. Let’s all make the most of it now and forever. 

May God Bless the Marines and all of America’s Veterans. 

Forever Yours, 

Tim