Local Marine's story is inspiring

There were many options for U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Lydia J. Fakes. The St. Louis native who has Sikeston, Missouri, roots is a lawyer. She passed the Missouri Bar in 2012, but Fakes wanted to follow in her grandfather's footsteps by serving her country in the Marines and was selected as an officer.

"Officers do not enlist; you are selected from a group of officer candidates," Fakes told Scott Welton of the Sikeston Standard Democrat. "I truly believe in civil service and civic duty. I absolutely felt called to serve our country, and the Marine Corps was the right fit for me."

Lydia Fakes' grandfather, Jim Fakes, 90, of Sikeston, served in nearly all of the major conflicts in the European Theater of World War II, according to the story.

You can read more about the grandfather and granddaughter veterans in the story on semissourian.com.

The story is inspiring and one that we believe is replicated among other families across this nation. It's great to see young people inspired by their family to serve in the military.

To all those who have served in the armed forces, past and present, thank you. Your service to country is honorable and appreciated. God's blessings for each of you.