In 1995 I First Swore an Oath to our Country. I Stand Proud Continuing to Exercise my Civic Duty 29 Years Later.
I firmly believe that voting is more than a civic duty. It is an expression of truly believing in the freedoms generations of Americans have defended. As a military veteran, I know firsthand that the right to vote has been safeguarded by service members who stood watch in distant places, endured hardship, and made sacrifices that most citizens will never see.
To be frank, I am a hard person to please. What really fires me up is playing my part in helping increase voter turnout in U.S. elections, especially among the UOCAVA (military and overseas citizens) community. That is why the U.S. Vote Foundation's new Vote in Honor of a Veteran program immediately captured my attention. It offers a simple but powerful way for Americans to recognize the people who have worn the nation's uniform while also strengthening our democracy at the same time.
A Continuation of a Sacred Promise
In the eyes of veterans and their families, voting is not just a right, it is a continuation of our sacred promise to the nation. I believe honoring our veterans and those currently serving through civic participation is one of the most meaningful gestures a citizen can make. The Vote in Honor of a Veteran program encourages voters to dedicate their ballot to a veteran who inspired them, whether that's a family member, a friend, or someone whose story reflects the best of our country.
When I served in the military, the mission always came first. However, the act of voting was always top of mind as I became more aware of issues such as budgeting, leadership changes, and so forth. When I moved abroad more than a decade ago, my love of country never faded and made me want to redouble my efforts in participating in our democracy from afar as both a citizen and veteran. Being older and wiser, I understand the deep meanings of voting rights and the struggle Americans before me had to endure.
Having been an overseas voter now for decades, I also know the unique challenges of casting a ballot, such as navigating foreign mail systems, state-specific voting guidelines, and so on. Still, those challenges only reinforce my commitment.
My vote is a reminder that distance does not diminish duty, and that democracy depends on each of us showing up, wherever we are.
Make no mistake: I am absolutely dedicated to voting in the General Election this November, and in every future election I am eligible to participate in. Those who served are among the most patriotic Americans there are, but serving in uniform and casting a ballot should not be seen as mutually exclusive actions. Myself and every veteran and military-connected individual I know understands that if we as citizens are serious about protecting and defending the United States Constitution, we absolutely must vote and have a say in who our leaders are at all levels of government.
Bridging Service and Civic Engagement
Programs like Vote in Honor of a Veteran help bridge the gap between military service and civic engagement. They remind Americans that the freedoms we exercise today were secured by those who stepped forward when the nation called. I especially love how the program connects ballots to the stories of veterans and provides a sense of purpose. It encourages citizens to vote not out of habit, but out of gratitude to our past and present heroes who raised their right hand and served.
The program also gives the ability to spark conversations — between citizens who may not otherwise think about the sacrifices behind the freedoms they hold dear. When someone dedicates their vote to a veteran, they are not only honoring that individual's service, they are also reaffirming American democracy.
Voting for Those Who Came Before
This November, I will proudly cast my ballot in honor of my Soldier father, my Airman stepfather, my Marine older brother, and the Marines and Sailors I served alongside and the veterans who came before us. It is my sincere hope others will join me. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to say "thank you" to those who defended our democracy — and one of the best ways to strengthen it for the generations that follow.
Perhaps the biggest motivator for me to vote in this upcoming election is demonstrating to my children the process as a UOCAVA voter and how special it is to be a U.S. citizen registering my vote for the critical offices on my ballot. I was taught that being a responsible U.S. citizen involves things like showing up for jury duty and starting each day with the Pledge of Allegiance. I've passed those traits on to my own children. However, I also educated them on how voting is our grandest civic responsibility, a direct inheritance paid for by the sacrifices of our veterans.
By participating in Vote in Honor of a Veteran, we carry our heroes' names and their sacrifices into the voting booth with us. It reminds us that our vote is a hard-won privilege that should never be taken for granted.
Join Me
Vote in Honor of a Veteran is the program I did not know I needed; it allows me to express my strong commitment to casting a ballot while honoring the warriors in uniform who inspired my own service. I encourage all U.S. citizens to join me in participating in this fantastic new initiative that is absolutely free, patriotic, everlasting, and does not require a U.S. passport or other documentation in order to leave a tribute on the U.S. Vote Foundation's Honor Wall.
I strongly encourage every voting-aged U.S. citizen to register to vote, request your absentee ballot if you are at a far away duty station or residing abroad, and dedicate your vote to a veteran who inspires you. I will be sending my ballot from across the ocean to Rock Island County, Illinois, keeping the spirit of the Marine Corps in mind.
Post your tribute to the Honor Wall today →
Authored by Michael Ramos, July 2026.
The author is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran currently living abroad and registered as a UOCAVA voter in the state of Illinois.