Marine veterans, active-duty military and families gathered at The National Museum of the Marine Corps on Sunday in Triangle, Va., for a time-honored cake-cutting ceremony, a longstanding Marine Corps birthday tradition.

Many veterans who have started small businesses tell a similar story: Their military service prepared them mentally for the task, but they were at a disadvantage when it came to the financial part.

While the U.S. Marine Corps’ birthday comes just days after the 20th anniversary of the battle for Fallujah, Marines across the country and around the world are celebrating with a forward-facing approach.

As VA secretary, Robert Wilkie oversaw the response to the first year of the coronavirus pandemic and worked on modernizing VA infrastructure. He also drew criticism for his stance on social justice issues and handling of a sexual assault complaint.

U.S. Army veteran Arthur Chavarria was headed to bed on Nov. 1 when a neighbor’s home caught fire near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Chavarria put on a pair of flip-flops, ran toward the smoke and helped his elderly neighbor escape the burning house.

Republican Sen. Jerry Moran has served on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee since his election to the Senate in 2011. As a member of the House of Representatives, he sat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for more than a decade.

Roger Wicker of Mississippi won reelection to the Senate on Tuesday night. With the Republican takeover of the upper chamber, he is in line next year to lead the panel that oversees the Defense Department and helps set defense policy.

Jeremy Culp, 32, was shot by police after the armed veteran crashed his truck and attempted to surrender to authorities. His death is considered a homicide, according to Forensic Medical of Texas.