MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Since the end of World War I and the establishment of Armistice Day in 1918, the nation has rendered respect to sacrificial American service members, applauding not only those who once served, but those who protect our shores today.Though a nation's tribute to proven heroes is an obvious theme of Veterans Day, the link between veterans and today's military members is at the heart of the day's purpose."Who we are now reflects the accomplishments of our veterans. That 'connecting file' between today's Marine and the Marine veteran makes it easy to immediately relate to one another," said Lt. Col. David A. Bethel, commanding officer of Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry, Marine Corps Base.Bethel appreciates the mentorship retirees provide. Reciprocally, 27-year Marine retired Lt. Col. James Terry Burke simply enjoys life and helping others live theirs to the fullest. "It feels great! Think about it, everyone in the Corps will be a veteran one day, whether you do four years or more, whether you see combat or not," Burke said. Burke served two tours in Vietnam, one enlisted, the other as an officer. He was later awarded a Purple Heart for combat wounds to his leg. "Because life demands you start a new chapter, you can't stay in the Corps forever, but you'll always be a Marine," Burke added.Burke also emphasized the significance of keeping in touch with the past, a prominent Veterans Day theme, because it has everything to do with the present. "So, it's important we recognize those that have done their time, and those whose time was cut short in war," Burke said."There are so many that deserved to live every minute I've lived, but didn't. You see, that's what veterans do, they sacrifice for the next generation."Bethel believes the Marine Corps should continue to celebrate and support Marine veterans because of their invaluable knowledge and experience."The Corps is finally realizing the knowledge and experience Marine veterans have to offer. I mean look at General Zinni. Veterans are role models," Bethel said, referring to retired Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, who serves as special adviser to the secretary of state and recently rose to world prominence as an envoy to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Many of these veterans have much more to offer than just "sea stories," Bethel added.One way the nation has expressed its gratitude to veterans is by founding the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1930. According to a DVA fact sheet, the VA health care system has grown from 54 hospitals to more than 350 outpatient, community and outreach clinics, 126 nursing home care units and 35 domiciliary care units, all providing medical, surgical and rehabilitative care.