Journeys With Jani

Let me go ahead and start with a disclaimer before someone gets their undies in a freedom-hating twist—yes, I am the proud mom of a United States Marine. But this ain’t about him. This is about them. The Marines. The few. The proud. The ones you do not want to square up against unless you’re looking to take your last breath humming the Star-Spangled Banner.

You may have read my recent blog where I reminded folks of the difference between a peaceful protest and domestic terrorism (spoiler alert: destroying property and blocking emergency roads ain’t patriotism—it’s chaos with a hashtag). That little truth nugget got some folks all hot and bothered, which got me thinking… do people even understand what real strength and service look like anymore?

Let’s fix that.

Who Are the Marines?

The Marine Corps isn’t a job. It isn’t a backup plan. And it sure as hell isn’t a TikTok trend.

It’s a calling. A life. A brotherhood and sisterhood forged in fire, grit, sweat, and a whole lotta discipline.

These men and women are trained to be the first in, the last out, and the ones who stare chaos straight in the face and say, “Not today, Satan.”

And you better believe they have the history to back it up. The Marine Corps was born in 1775… in a tavern. So when people say Marines are a different breed—they mean it. These are the ones who’ll fight with whatever’s in their hands, even if it’s just a broken barstool and a fistful of freedom.

What Do They Do?

Short answer? Whatever the hell is necessary.

Secure embassies all over the world? ✔️ Humanitarian aid and disaster relief? ✔️ Combat operations in places most people can’t pronounce? ✔️ Keep your bacon safe while you debate pineapple pizza on Facebook? ✔️✔️✔️

They run toward the danger when others run away. They live on grit, caffeine, and the constant drive to outwork, outfight, and outperform every enemy, every time.

And they do it all after waking up at 0400, running five miles, and folding their bed into tighter corners than your fitted sheet has ever dreamed of.

Now Let’s Talk About The Oath

Because it’s not just about doing push-ups and yelling “Oorah.”

Every Marine—every service member—raises their right hand and swears the following oath:

“I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me,

according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Let me just go ahead and bold this for the folks scrolling while sipping their overpriced oat milk lattes:

“Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

That is not a cute tagline. That is a sacred vow. These warriors don’t get to pick the easy fights. They don’t clock out when things get messy. They are sworn to protect our country even if the threat is from within.

Let that marinate.

Why You Don’t Mess With Them

Because they’re not out here trying to go viral.

They’re out here defending your right to speak freely, even when what you’re saying is just plain dumb.

You don’t mess with a Marine because they’ve been trained—and then trained again—to overcome, adapt, and win. They fight with purpose. With heart. With precision. Not just for the flag, but for every single right that flag represents.

So if you ever feel tempted to question their mission, or worse—disrespect their sacrifice—just know that freedom isn’t free. It’s paid for in sweat, blood, time away from family, and sometimes lives.

And Marines?

They never send the bill.

They just keep showing up.

Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Travel Advisor With a Patriotic Spine

I might be sarcastic. I might be southern. I might even talk a little smack here and there.

But don’t mistake my sass for softness—because when it comes to this country, I stand tall.

We are free because brave people swore an oath to keep it that way.

And if you’re ever in doubt about what patriotism looks like, don’t look at the loudest protestor or the flashiest influencer. Look for the silent one standing at attention, ready for whatever comes next.

That’s a Marine.

And may God bless every last one of them.

XOXO, Jani