To the Marines all over the world I wish them a very Happy & Safe Birthday. I remember with great pride being part of that community, when I was a wife to a Marine.

I was only 18 when I got married to Tom, a Naval Academy graduate. Although our marriage didn't end in "happily ever after" the time spent in association with the Marines was one of pride, sacrifice and love of country.

A couple of unusual memories stand out. I remember working at Donderos in Arlington, Virginia. They supplied military personnel with ribbons and medals that they had been awarded. Soon after I was employed, I received a call from a gentleman who was frustrated that his ribbons had been prepared in error. Please keep in mind I was only 18 at the time (smile), so when the gentleman said he was a Marine...I was quick to assure him that since I was married to a Marine so I would take special care that he received his ribbons done perfectly. He asked who my husband was and I proudly announced his rank and name.

As you know by now I have an "over-active" enthusiasm gland. Needless to say I was bubbling with pride as I told the gentleman on the other end of the phone all about my Marine husband.

A few days later we received an invitation to the Commandant of the Marine Corps Home. It never occurred to me that one situation was associated to the other. We were going through the receiving line and when we were introduced to the Commandant he said, "So you are Judy. Thank you for my ribbons. They are perfect and this must be your Marine husband." I was excited and thrilled, my husband was a little taken aback and surprised. It turned out to be a great evening. I even got a tour of the Commandant's quarters and I learned the lesson that in business just as in your personal life, it is important to treat everyone as a VIP. Afterall sometimes they are.

I remember going to my first Marine Corp Ball and dancing with my husband. I was wearing a pretty dress that my Mom had made for my high school prom. Unfortunately, the full length slip I was wearing underneath had a loose waistband and fell to the floor. I had to shuffle my feet and make my way to the ladies room so I could lift my skirt and take remove my slip. It was embarrassing.

I don't think anyone realized my slip had slipped but the thought of being discovered or maybe accidentally stepping out of it and have it laying on the dance floor was definitely nerve wracking. Once the slip was disposed of in the ladies room, I returned to the dance floor and had a great time.

I was pregnant when Tom was sent to Vietnam. It was a difficult time in our country's history. There was tremendous division over our presence in Vietnam. People said the most hurtful things about our troops.

Ed Bradley died yesterday. He was the reporter that I turned to for coverage on what was happening. I had more trust in his coverage than any other. It was a life changing time for all of us.

Today we have troops all over the world. The military is a special community. One that deserves our respect and gratitude. To all the Marines currently serving and those that have served I wish them a Happy Birthday.

To all our veterans I say a heartfelt thank you. Tommorrow is Veterans Day. I hope that we all take a moment to acknowledge their contribution and show appreciation.